PUTRAJAYA: Political parties should support efforts to place the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) under the direct purview of Parliament, says Transparency International Malaysia (TI-Malaysia).

       Its president Dr Muhammad Mohan said this institutional reform is necessary to elevate the MACC to be a commission not under an Act.

       “The MACC should be under our supreme law – the Federal Constitution – and answerable to our Parliament and not to the Executive,” he said.

       Muhammad said such reform needs bipartisan political support, adding that it will save the nation from the evils of corruption.

       “TI-Malaysia calls on everyone to support this move and to make this happen as soon as possible as time is running out in our fight to rid the country of corruption,” he said on Monday (Sept 6).

       Muhammad also said TI-Malaysia supported the suggestion for the MACC to be placed under the direct purview of Parliament.

       “This move will put the MACC in a strong position to perform its task independently, without fear or favour and without any interference from the power and influence of the Executive,” he said.

       On the matter of the appointment of the chief commissioner, he said it should also be the prerogative of Parliament after getting recommendations on qualified candidates from a Parliamentary Select Committee.

       This would be in contrast to Section 5 of the current MACC Act 2009 which states that the chief commissioner is appointed by the Yang di- Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister, he added.

       “Currently, the independence of the MACC can be compromised if the chief commissioner’s job is at the mercy of the Prime Minister. Furthermore, the tenure of office of the chief commissioner should be fixed and he or she should not be removed even if there is a change of government,” he said.

       Muhammad said any removal of the chief commissioner should only be on specified grounds and presided over by a special tribunal.

       His remarks came after MACC special committee on corruption chairman Tan Sri Rais Yatim said he would bring suggestions to the government for the anti-graft body to be placed directly under the purview of Parliament so that it is more independent and neutral.

       Rais, who is also the Dewan Negara Speaker, said the committee was informed by the MACC that preparations and suggestions were being made to submit the proposal.