Make MACC a Service Commission

DAP Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Najib to consider seriously a constitutional amendment to elevate Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to a Service Commission, responsible only to Parliament.

In his speech at the 6th International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities Conference (IAACA) and General Meeting at the KL Convention Centre, Najib said what should be disconcerting is how corruption and corrupt behaviour are entangled deep within the moral fabric of all societies.
“If we view corruption as truly unethical and immoral behaviour, we cannot stop at just looking at the public officials and politicians who abuse their powers – we must go much further than that.
Najib says that corruption is a stumbling block of economic development, annulling the effects of public policies. Anti-corruption is in the main government agenda, showing that he takes it seriously.
In the 2013 Budget, MACC is allocated RM175 million, whereas it requires more than RM350 million. 
It needs at least 3000 more personnel.
Besides moral values and financial allocations, one important factor is the independence of MACC. Now, the status of the Chief Commissioner is equivalent to secretary-generals of a government ministry. He or she is beholden to the Chief Secretary. Hence, it is important to consider seriously the amendment to the Federal Constitution, to make MACC a service commission, so that it is only responsible to Parliament.