KUCHING: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reassures the public that it is subject to oversight by five independent panels, one of which is a parliamentary committee tasked with evaluating its performance.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Datuk Sri Azam Baki stated that the agency underwent significant reforms in 2009, aiming for organisational restructuring and increased independence.
“In addition to the parliamentary committee, four other committees, such as the MACC Complaints Committee, oversee all activities.
“MACC is the sole authority empowered by law to investigate corruption cases involving its officers. However, for other criminal matters, the police handle investigations,” he explained.
During a sharing session at the “Cakna Rasuah: SPRM Bersama Media Sarawak Programme” here on Tuesday (Feb 6), Azam discussed internal misconduct, highlighting MACC’s operation of a complaints committee to ensure adherence to constitutional standards.
“For the past two years, we have charged three of our own officers in court. There is no favoritism here. In terms of misconduct, we have the complaints committee.”
He also emphasised that despite calls for MACC to be placed under parliamentary jurisdiction, Azam remains steadfast in his opposition to the idea.
He believes that maintaining independence from political influence is crucial for effective anti-corruption efforts. Azam’s commitment to upholding MACC’s integrity and accountability underscores the agency’s dedication to combating corruption impartially.
“If you check with some other countries where the anti-corruption agencies are under politicians, then it won’t work out because we investigate politicians, and if we are under politicians, that won’t work,” he concluded.
