KUALA LUMPUR (March 28): Putrajaya is willing to relinquish its discretion in appointing the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to Parliament in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the anti-graft agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday (March 28).
“It (the appointment) is dependent on the advancement of Parliament, as long as there is a mechanism decided [here], after recommendations by TI-M (Transparency International Malaysia) or other bodies, studied by the Attorney General’s Chamber or government agencies, and subsequently moving [the proposal] to the Select Committee,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar was responding to Masjid Tanah Member of Parliament Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who asked whether the government will bring the matter of appointment or renewal of the MACC chief commissioner to a special committee under Parliament.
“If it is not [brought under Parliament], wouldn’t it reflect that the PM’s reform agenda no longer exists? An appointment made by Tambun [Member of Parliament Anwar] will create speculation that there is a certain deal being made by Tambun,” she told the august house.
In response, Anwar said if Parliament can establish a process and mechanism for the appointment of the MACC chief commissioner before the end of the tenure of the incumbent Tan Sri Azam Baki, he would have no issue implementing it.
“First of all, I need to clarify that the appointment of the [current] chief commissioner of the MACC was made by Pagoh (former PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin). That needs to be clear, as [Azam] is recognised as someone capable and independent by Pagoh.
“If this process [by Parliament] can be established, then I have no issue with this process. But this process should be respected,” he added.
Earlier, Mas Ermieyati also asked whether the government would place the entire MACC under the jurisdiction of Parliament.
However, Anwar pointed out that under the current laws and regulations, the MACC is deemed to be an independent body already.
“That was why when I took over, I decided not to make any changes to the MACC chief commissioner, who was appointed by Pagoh, to not create a perception that a new PM will appoint a new MACC chief commissioner. That was why I maintained him.
“The current laws guarantee the independence of the MACC, and it is not subject to instructions from the PM,” he stressed.
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