Pasir Gudang MP suggests MACC be given more ‘claws and fangs’ to prosecute cases

KUALA LUMPUR: A lawmaker has proposed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) be placed under Parliament.

Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) said currently, the MACC only has investigative powers while the decision to prosecute lies with the public prosecutor, who is the Attorney General.

He also proposed that the MACC be given more “claws and fangs” to prosecute cases.

"There is a dilemma before us as the MACC has thoroughly investigated corruption cases which were then brought to court.

"But suddenly, these cases are withdrawn by the public prosecutor, resulting in dissatisfaction among us and the people," he said when debating the Royal Address in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Sept 20).

Hassan acknowledged that a comprehensive study was needed before implementation as his proposals require amendments to the law and Constitution.

On a separate matter, he also proposed that the tabling of a confidence motion in Dewan Rakyat be made a convention by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"It is my view that for the good image and authority, Prime Minister and Bera MP (Ismail Sabri) should, through his administration, table a confidence motion during this meeting.

"My stand is that it would be healthy and appropriate to establish such a convention in line with the Federal Constitution," added Hassan.

He said such a convention should be in relation to the appointment of any new incoming prime minister who assumed the post through other means such by way of statutory declarations rather than the results of a general election.

Citing examples, Hassan said Tun Hussein Onn had tabled a motion of confidence after assuming the post in 1976 and in 2003, when Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became the prime minister.

He said initially, the King had intended for the new prime minister to table a motion of confidence when he met political leaders at Istana Negara on Aug 17.