Kuala lumpur: The proposal to establish a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) comprising both government and opposition representatives to review and assess candidates for the position of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner requires thorough consideration, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) emphasized that the proposal needs deliberation and coordination among various stakeholders, considering its overall suitability and impact.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina highlighted that there are currently 10 Special Select Committees established by the Dewan Rakyat. These committees perform their functions based on their respective terms of reference set under the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat and include Members of Parliament from both the government and the opposition.

In the context of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, Strategy 2: Public Accountability includes a sub-strategy to review the appointment and dismissal requirements of the MACC Chief Commissioner and establish an MACC Service Commission. This initiative is part of the long-term reform strategies for the MACC.

Azalina noted that the appointment of the MACC Chief Commissioner is governed under Section 5 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 696). Her comments were in response to a question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) regarding whether the government plans to establish a PSSC comprising both government and opposition representatives to review and evaluate candidates for the MACC Chief Commissioner position.