Malaysia: Anti-Corruption Commission Bill will be tabled in Parliament

The Anti-Corruption Commission Bill will be tabled in Parliament following its approval by the Cabinet yesterday, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said the bill would replace the Anti-Corruption Act and provide for the setting up of the Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption.

“The bill will be tabled for first reading in Parliament as soon as possible. God willing, when it is passed, it will be the foundation for the formation of an anti-corruption commission that is effective and subject to independent monitoring through a comprehensive check-and-balance system,” he said in his keynote address at the National Integrity Convention here yesterday.

Abdullah said he envisioned the commission to be staffed by experts in a wide range of fields such as forensic auditing for investigating commercial crimes.

“The Public Services Department is now in the final stages of preparing a new service scheme for the commission’s officers.

“This is important to help attract professionals and experts to serve with the commission,” he said.

He said the Cabinet also agreed to allow the commission to conduct its own administrative affairs including the hiring and firing of officers.

“I hope these steps will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the commission in carrying out its duties and responsibilities,” he said.

To further strengthen the commission, Abdullah said the Cabinet also approved the formation of two panels, one to evaluate its operation and the other on consultation and prevention of corruption.

“The operation evaluation panel will ensure that the commission’s actions and investigations are done transparently and responsibly.

“The panel on consultation and prevention of corruption will assist the commission in educating the public on fighting graft,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said the commission will be modelled on some of the best anti-corruption agencies in the world, including Hong Kong’s Independent Commission on Anti-Corruption and the Independent Commission Against Corruption in New South Wales, Australia.

It will be supported by a check-and-balance mechanism comprising an advisory board and a special committee on corruption to ensure its accountability, transparency and effectiveness.

Source: The Star