It is indeed a good move for all
I’m happy to learn this news that ACA will be an independent body (Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption) by end of this year. 16 hours ago, I blogged how much time he needs to make the decision. Congratulations to our Prime Minister.
It seems that after the 8th March 2008 (historical political tsunami in Malaysia) Malaysia is towards a new direction. I bet many Malaysians will be pleased to learn this too. However, I do hope he doesn’t change his mind in last minute just like IPCMC end up talk only.
PM unveils ACA restructuring plan
By SHAHANAAZ HABIBKUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Agency will be restructured into a full-fledged Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption, announced Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The Prime Minister said the commission would table its annual report to a parliamentary committee which will be set up.
The parliamentary committee on the prevention of corruption can seek further clarification and explanation from the anti-corruption commission on the content of the report.
Abdullah announced that over the next five years, the commission will be boosted with an additional 5,000 anti-corruption officers.
Abdullah also said the Government will introduce comprehensive protection for whistle-blowers and witnesses so that more people will come forward to report corruption.
He was speaking Monday at the Asean Integrity Dialogue 2008 at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity.
However, I do hope he doesn’t change his mind in last minute just like IPCMC end up talk only. I have my fingers crossed.
ACA to be fully independent
Apr 21, 08 10:32am
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badwi today continued with his reform agenda by announcing that the Anti-Corruption Agency will become a fully independent body.He also announced other reforms today to boost the fight against corruption, including passing new laws to protect whistleblowers and witnesses.
In addition, the number of ACA officers would be tripled in the next five years to boost the agency capacity to fight corruption.
The premier, at the launch of the first Asean Integrity Dialogue 2008, said that the agency would be made a full-fledged commission by year-end, adding that it would be answerable to Parliament.
He added that the commission would have to table an annual report and be answerable to a parliamentary committee on the prevention of corruption. He said this would ensure that there was an effective check and balance.
The government would also take immediate steps to improve the public procurement process through measures targeted at addressing specific problems in the system, he added.
The moves came days after Abdullah announced setting up an independent panel to help appoint judges in senior positions. At present, they are appointed solely by the prime minister.
The judicial institution and the ACA have come under severe pressure in recent years over the government’s interference in both bodies.
The civil society has for many years pressed for an truly independent ACA.
ACA sends reform proposal
Last week, ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan and his deputy Abu Kassim Mohamad had submitted a proposal for the agency to be completely independent and not just an arm of the government.
The body, which is currently under the Prime Minister’s Department, will now report directly to a new parliamentary committee - called the Anti-Corruption Committee - which will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition.
According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz, the agency had proposed for ACA to operate in ways similar to the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
The ICAC is one of the most esteemed anti-corruption watchdog in the region and is often touted by civil society groups and opposition parties as a suitable model for ACA, which currently reports to the Prime Minister’s Department.
Today’s announcement came two days after Abdullah appeared non-committal on ACA reforms when asked by reporters to respond to the agency’s proposal.
“I have received the proposal and I would decide on it as soon as possible,” the prime minister told a press conference after officiating the Barisan Nasional MPs retreat.
TechTags Plugin [ ICAC | ACA | Hong Kong | Malaysia | Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption | Anti-Corruption Agency | Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption ]
