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KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 4, 2008): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Bill which will be tabled on Dec 10 is a law that deserves the support of all Members of Parliament as it will address weaknesses that have plagued the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) for so long, blotting its credibility and hindering its effectiveness.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Bill, once passed will ensure an effective ACA that will eventually contribute to keeping the country’s Corruption Perception Index at low levels and improve public confidence in the administration of the day.

"This is why all of us, from both sides of the divide, (must) think about what’s in the best interest of the people," Abdullah said in an interview with theSun.

"I hope everyone will look beyond partisan lines and vote for what is best for the rakyat. This is going to change how the ACA works. You will see a different kind of ACA. One with clout that responds and is answerable to the rakyat," he said.

Abdullah did not reveal details of the Bill, saying he wanted the MPs who will eventually vote on it to have a first look. However, yesterday, theSun, quoting sources revealed that the MACC will see the ACA becoming a commission that reports to Parliament and curbing the discretionary powers of the Attorney-General (A-G)’s office to prosecute.

Five advisory and review committees will be set up, each comprising MPs, professionals and one even headed by a retired judge, to further enhance the functions of the commission.

quot;The MACC is part of the reforms I want to introduce before I leave in March," Abdullah said, adding that his other focus was on setting up the Judicial Appointments Committee (JAC) as well as a special complaints commission on enforcement agencies such as the police, immigration and customs.

The JAC has received the endorsement of the Bar Council, although it is pushing for a representative on the committee.

"Suffice to say we will have people of the utmost credibility and experience.

"As long as we have good people on the panel, we will have good people on the Bench," Abdullah said.

He said in terms of procedure, there will be no interference from the Executive in the nominations of the judicial candidates.

"The members of the commission will meet among themselves and decide on names based on secret ballot voting. In fact, we need to safeguard against interference or inappropriate pressure from all parties, not just the Executive," he said.

In the two-hour-long lunch meeting at his home in Jalan Bellamy last week, the prime minister also explained why some of the reforms he promised had fallen short on delivery.

Refusing to blame any single party or individual, he said his reforms were meant to be realised only beyond the second half of his premiership.

"You must remember my manifesto in 2004 was not a manifesto to be implemented in four years. That manifesto was for the second half of the period towards 2020," he said.

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