KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): Five new members, including Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, the Speaker of the Dewan Negara, have been appointed to the Special Committee on Corruption (JKMR) effective Oct 9, 2023, for a three-year term.

Also appointed as new members are four parliamentarians, namely Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (Paya Besar MP), Mohamad Shafizan Haji Kepli (Batang Lupar), Lo Su Fai (Tawau), and Young Syefura Othman (Bentong).

Another two members still within their period of appointment are Bersatu Senator Nasir Hashim and Hassan Abdul Karim (Pasir Gudang MP).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the letters of appointment in a brief ceremony at the Parliament building on Tuesday. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki was also present.

The committee was established by the provision of law under Section 14 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009 (Act 694). Members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from among members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, representing both ruling and opposition parties.

JKMR's responsibilities include advising the prime minister on any aspect of the problem of corruption in Malaysia and examining the annual report of the MACC.

This special committee also plays a role in reviewing the comments of the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board and seeking clarifications and explanations on the Commission’s annual report.

In a statement, the office of Dewan Negara Speaker expressed hope that the new members can fulfill the community's expectations of the independence, efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of this commission in the fulfillment of its functions.