MACC becomes official today

STAR
Tuesday February 24, 2009

By LOURDES CHARLES

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which came into effect on Jan 1, will be officially unveiled by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

The event will be the culmination of the Prime Minister’s efforts to reform the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and boost the fight against corruption.

The MACC, modelled after the much respected and feared Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong, has replaced the 41-year-old ACA.

In its bid to enhance effectiveness, the MACC has also set up the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, the Special Committee on Corruption and the Complaints Committee. Today’s event will also see the naming of the members who will make up the three bodies.

The seven-member board are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The members, who will serve a three-year term, are persons of integrity and who had rendered distinguished public services. They will not hold office for over two terms. The board will advise the commission on corruption in Malaysia including its eradication policies and strategies.

The Special Committee will advise the Prime Minister on corruption in the country and its seven members, also appointed by the King, will not be members of the administration but be drawn from the Senate and the House of Representatives.