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Anti-corruption law faces BN obstacles |
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Posted by admin
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Thursday, 04 December 2008 23:48 |
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DEC 4 - If the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Bill is to have a smooth passage through Parliament, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi may have to spend the next few days winning over some Barisan Nasional MPs to his corner.
Or even consider imposing the Whip when the bill is tabled on December 10. Several BN MPs, speaking to The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity, are worried about the reach and influence of a more autonomous and powerful commission.
They wonder whether a more independent anti-corruption unit will result in an explosion of false allegations and investigations against lawmakers.
They also think that it may not be fair to the new administration to rush through legislation so that the Prime Minister can leave office on a high note.
An MP, familiar with discussions on the commission which have taken place in the corridors of Parliament, said: "There has been some talk that a few MPs may not support the Bill.
They are restless with the Bill and are not sure whether it would serve the interest of Barisan Nasional government. I don't know whether this is all just talk but not everyone sees the need for the commission.''
In an interview with The Sun, Abdullah said that he hoped that the MACC Bill will be supported by all MPs. "I hope everyone will look beyond partisan lines and vote for what is best for the rakyat. This is going to change how the ACA works. You will see a different kind of ACA. One with clout that responds and is answerable to the rakyat, '' he said.
If the Bill is passed, the commission will be answerable to Parliament and it will have more autonomy to prosecute.
There will be an advisory board comprising prominent individuals and a special committee on corruption which will scrutinize the commission's annual report.
The current Anti-Corruption Agency reports to the PM and the final say on taking cases to court lies with the Attorney-General.
There has been much criticism about the opaque system and the AG's role in the process, with Opposition politicians and non-governmental organizations arguing that the AG will be in a conflict of interest situation if the party being investigated is a government politician.
This is because under the Malaysian system the AG wears two hats - he is the chief legal adviser to the government as well as the director of prosecution.
The MCAC is part of Abdullah's reform agenda which he wants to put in place before he leaves office in March.
He is also hoping to set up the Judicial Appointments Commission as well as a special complaints tribunal on enforcement agencies. In an interview with Al Jazeera television this week, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that he supported Abdullah's reform initiatives.
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