'Najib has proven that MACC is ineffective'
The premier’s statement on wanting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to be given more powers, only shows how ineffective and non-independent the commission is, according to PKR.
The premier’s statement on wanting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to be given more powers, only shows how ineffective and non-independent the commission is, according to PKR.
Vice-president N Surendran said it also confirms allegations by opposition and civil society groups that the MACC takes orders from politicians and that there is serious interference by the Executive.
“The statement that (Najib Abdul Razak) will give more independence to the MACC, through the setting up of an Anti-Corruption Service Commission (ACSC) if the BN gets a two-thirds majority in the next general, is disturbing,” he said.
“It is an astounding admission by the PM that the MACC has been ineffective and that it is not independent. It confirms the long-standing complaint of the political opposition and civil society that the MACC is subject to political directions and serious interference from Putrajaya.”
Surendran
(left)
, said the BN-led federal government must be held accountable for MACC's failure.
Since independence, Umno and BN have systematically undermined and manipulated independent public services including the police force, judiciary, MACC and Election Commission, he said.
“The forming of an ACSC will be meaningless unless BN stops interfering with independent public services ... for political reasons. Going by their track record, it is clear BN does not have the political will or inclination to protect and strengthen the MACC and other important public services.
“The MACC cannot become independent and truly effective unless BN reforms themselves, respects the federal constitution and stops political interference in constitutionally established public services.”
As long as the BN does not respect the rule of law, Surendran said public service institutions will remain ineffective, demoralised and subject to the political whims of the ruling coalition.
He said Najib's announcement is another deceitful and cheap trick to persuade the people to vote for the BN, and return it to power with a two-thirds majority.
“A Pakatan Rakyat government will free all public services from political interference and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
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