SPRM / MACC PERLU BADAN PEMANTAUAN DALAMAN

An internal investigations division should be set up to prevent any malpractice or abuse of power by commission officers in MACC. Who keeps watch on MACC to ensure there is no black sheep in the organisation or guards turning into poachers????

MACC needs in-house watchdog

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must have a mechanism to carry out checks and balances among its members, especially to ensure there are no black sheep in the commission.

Ramon Navaratnam (foto)

Its Corruption Consultation and Prevention Panel chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam told theSun that an internal investigations division should be set up to prevent any malpractice or abuse of power by commission officers.

“We don’t want the guards turning poachers,” Navaratnam said, referring to officers who might be susceptible to wrong practices.

He said although most officers of MACC uphold high standards of moral ethics and integrity, the fact that some officers might compromise their values can’t be ruled out.

“I don’t think the problem (of corrupt officers) is widespread,” said Navaratnam.

“But it could happen on an individual basis. That is why we must have a proper check and balance system.”

He said the MACC should establish an internal investigations division to probe its own members similar to the police, which has a criminal inspectorate division that sacks or suspends policemen who commit any offence.

He said such a measure will ensure the MACC projects a credible image to the public.

He told about 400 MACC officers at a meeting last week that it was important for the commssion to show a difference from the days of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA).

“The public expect MACC to perform and there is no significant evidence that the MACC is performing better than the ACA,” he said.

Recently, there were news reports in local dailies that an officer from MACC was under probe for malpractices and abuse of power.

The MACC subsequently denied the allegations.

Tim Leonard/sun2surf