The Special Committee on Corruption (JKMR) has outlined four improvements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) based on the assessment made in the 2013 MACC Annual Report.

Its chairman, Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang who is also Senate President said that the government should require screening MACC as one of the criteria for the appointment of administration members and GLC chairman.

This is because appointment of individuals with dubious integrity can lead to unfavourable perceptions to the community and a negative perception to the government.

Second is the establishment of a monitoring entity by the Royal Malaysian as a ‘check and balance’ mechanism to monitor the effective function of the department.

Abu Zahar said this during a press conference held at the parliament lobby on Monday.

He said JKMR will take note and welcome the recognition by the International Review panel (IRP) towards the implementation of the MACC Transformation programme which has over 30 initiatives.

MACC has strengthened the systems and procedures of government agencies by submitting 427 suggestions for improvements.

Malaysia had improved its position in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2014 to be positioned at the 50 position among 175 countries.

In 2013, Malaysia was at the 53rd position in the index by Transparency International.

Meanwhile in connection to unlicensed gambling syndicates and the symptoms of vice activities, JKMR recommends the government to consider a new law to combat these symptoms.

In addition, the issue of illegal land invasion should be taken seriously with MACC membership proposal into the Special Committee by the government.

MORE TO COME