Of late, there has been a spike in media reports on allegations of corruption, not just involving those in high office but across the entire spectrum of those in power.
Even those who had previously been steadfast in the battle against graft had been dragged into some of these allegations.
The battle against corruption has to advance to the next level and one way to do this is via institutional reforms.
In view of this, we propose that the government urgently look into tightening corruption laws to fight this scourge.
This includes amending Sections 23 and 36 of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Act 2009. These provisions contain loopholes which some unscrupulous people in power had continued to exploit.
For example, under Section 23, if a decision-maker leaves a meeting that decides on a project which he or she has an interest in, that will be good enough in the eyes of the law.
In reality, that person may wield huge influence over the committee which decides on the project and this may sway their decision.
A more stringent provision can help curtail such conflicts of interests.
Section 36 of the Act also needs to be amended to allow MACC to compel any individuals suspected of being corrupt to declare their assets - not just those under investigations.
As long as the MACC is not empowered to do so, the corrupt with continue with their brazen ways.
The two suggestions are not silver bullets. There are other amendments to the Act that can help give more bite to the anti-corruption drive which seems to have lost even more steam of late.
This includes making the MACC answerable to Parliament and not treated like another government agency with no freedom in hiring and firing and no financial independence.
CENBET believes in putting in place strong institutional safeguards in the fight against corruption. This is part of good governance which CENBET promotes.
Towards this end, we call on all MPs across the political spectrum to push for such legislative amendments. This will show that they walk the talk in the war against graft, not just play to the gallery for political expediency.
by CENBET committee member Low Eng Tack
The views expressed here are strictly of the author's and do not necessarily reflect Astro AWANI's.
Media Statement
Fri May 27 2016
A more stringent provision can help curtail such conflicts of interests, said CENBET.
Kes cubaan bunuh digugur, keluarga mohon penjelasan AGC
Ahli keluarga kepada bekas anggota polis, Koperal Muhamad Khairul Syafiq Ahmad yang lumpuh selepas dilanggar sewaktu bertugas mengejar penjenayah meminta penjelasan Jabatan Peguam Negara (AGC) susulan kes cubaan membunuh dibawah Seksyen 307 kanun keseksaan digugurkan.
Mengambil manfaat daripada kisah lampau menerusi ziarah luar
Beberapa kepentingan Ziarah Luar termasuk mengambil pengajaran tentang sirah atau sejarah Rasulallah untuk dimanfaat secara bersama dalam konteks hari ini diterapkan semasa program Ziarah Luar yang dirangka Tabung Haji kepada petugas yang menjalankan operasi sempena musim haji tahun ini, 1445H/2024M.
Polis buru dua suspek kes tembak di Pasir Mas
Polis sedang memburu dua suspek disyaki terlibat dalam kes tembakan di Kampung Alor Pinggan, Gelang Mas, Kelantan pada awal pagi Sabtu.
Kedudukan Malaysia perlu dilihat secara menyeluruh
Laporan Indeks Kebebasan Media Dunia 2024 yang disiarkan Wartawan Tanpa Sempadan (RSF) mengenai kedudukan terkini Malaysia perlu dilihat dalam konteks yang menyeluruh.
MB zahir terima kasih atas komitmen PM bangunkan Kedah
Menteri Besar Kedah, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor menzahirkan ucapan terima kasih dan penghargaan di atas kesediaan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mendengar dan meluluskan permintaan Kedah berkaitan projek-projek pembangunan di negeri ini.
PM arah TPM cari solusi tingkat pelajar TVET
Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim turut meminta TPM, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi untuk mencari jalan penyelesaian dalam menangani kekurangan pelajar TVET bagi memeuhi permintaan industri berteknologi tinggi.
Masalah di Kedah selesai dalam tempoh dua bulan- PM
Kerajaan Persekutuan memberikan komitmen untuk menoktahkan masalah miskin tegar membabitlan 2,500 keluarga di negeri Kedah dalam tempoh dua bulan.
China padam impian Malaysia beraksi di pentas final
Hasrat Malaysia untuk menamatkan kemarau 32 tahun menjulang Piala Thomas tidak kesampaian apabila tewas kepada tuan rumah China, 1-3 dalam aksi suku akhir edisi 2024.
Berita tempatan pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Berikut adalah berita yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang Sabtu, 4 Mei 2024.
14 terkorban, banjir dan tanah runtuh di Sulawesi Selatan
Pasukan mencari dan menyelamat kebangsaan Indonesia (Basarnas) mengesahkan 14 terkorban susulan banjir dan tanah runtuh yang melanda Kabupaten Luwu di wilayah Sulawesi Selatan pada Jumaat.