Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should be granted full autonomy along with unlimited financial resources and expertise to conduct investigations without fear or favor, a Dewan Negara member proposed today. Senator Amir Md Ghazali, during a debate on the Royal Address in the Dewan Negara, emphasized that institutional independence is crucial for restoring public confidence in the country's enforcement system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Senator Amir suggested the establishment of a special anti-corruption court with specialist judges to ensure expedited trial schedules, aiming to conclude cases within a maximum of 18 months. He also advocated for independent audits of all government projects exceeding RM50 million, accompanied by periodic public reporting and comprehensive protection, rewards, and safety guarantees for whistleblowers.
Meanwhile, Senator Datuk Rosni Sohar likened corruption to a 'cancer' that weakens institutions and threatens the nation's economic development agenda. She expressed support for the proposed establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia, with a bill expected to be tabled in Parliament this year. Rosni highlighted that the Ombudsman would merge the functions of the Public Complaints Bureau and the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) into a more robust independent body, taking inspiration from successful models in Sweden, Singapore, and South Korea.
Senator Che Alias Hamid remarked that the King's recent reprimand regarding issues within the Malaysian Armed Forces was a strong message underscoring the importance of safeguarding national security from a culture of corruption. Che Alias also expressed concerns over the trend of resolving large-scale corruption cases through financial penalties instead of criminal prosecution, as noted by Transparency International Malaysia. He warned against bias or double standards that could allow the ultra-wealthy to evade criminal liability, cautioning that such practices could institutionalize a 'pay-to-settle' culture, ultimately undermining the rule of law.
The Dewan Negara is scheduled to reconvene on Monday.