Full Autonomy Needed For MACC To Investigate Without Fear Or Favour - Senator

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should be granted full autonomy along with unlimited financial resources and expertise so that it can conduct investigations without fear or favour, a Dewan Negara member said today.

Senator Amir Md Ghazali, when debating the Royal Address in the Dewan Negara, said institutional independence is a key prerequisite to restoring public confidence in the country’s enforcement system.

In addition, he proposed the establishment of a special anti-corruption court presided over by specialist judges, with expedited trial schedules to ensure cases are concluded within a maximum of 18 months.

“Independent audits must also be conducted on all government projects valued at more than RM50 million, with periodic public reporting, and full protection, rewards and safety guarantees accorded to whistleblowers," he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Datuk Rosni Sohar described corruption as a “cancer” that weakens institutions and erodes the civilisation of the nation, potentially undermining the MADANI Government’s economic development agenda.

In this regard, she welcomed the proposed establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia, with a bill expected to be tabled in Parliament this year.

“The Ombudsman is expected to combine the functions of the Public Complaints Bureau and the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) into a stronger independent body. This model has proven effective in countries such as Sweden, Singapore and South Korea in monitoring enforcement procedures and closing procedural gaps before they are abused,” she said.

Senator Che Alias Hamid said the King’s recent reprimand concerning issues involving the Malaysian Armed Forces was not merely a routine reminder, but a firm message that national security must not be compromised by a culture of corruption.

He also voiced concern over the trend of resolving large-scale corruption cases through financial penalties alone rather than criminal prosecution, as highlighted by Transparency International Malaysia.

He said bias or double standards must not be allowed, where the ultra-wealthy are seen as immune from criminal liability.

“If left unchecked, this thinking will institutionalise a ‘pay-to-settle’ culture that will ultimately destroy the rule of law in our country entirely,” he said. 

The Dewan Negara will sit again on Monday.

-- BERNAMA