Govt to consider proposal to set up special body to accept public complaints against enforcement agencies, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: A proposal to set up a special body to allow members of the public to lodge complaints against enforcement agencies, will be brought to the Cabinet, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

This comes after Gobind Singh Deo (PH-Damanasara) called for the setting-up of a special body or mechanism to allow the public to lodge complaints of wrongful action against them by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or other enforcement agencies.

"I want to respond positively and say that the time has come for us to be more proactive in providing help and God-willing, I will bring this up with the Cabinet," the Minister in charge of law and institutional reforms said when wrapping up her ministerial replies in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 23).

Azalina acknowledged that the issue raised by Gobind was an important one, citing her own experience when chairing the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on women and children issues.

"There were numerous times when it was the women and children who were the victims," she said.

Gobind suggested a special body or mechanism to probe complaints against enforcement agencies such as the MACC.

"There have been many complaints of evidence being suppressed or that the action taken was unjust," he said, adding that such complaints are usually left hanging and not dealt with.

Azalina said that most members of the public lack awareness that they have the right to sue enforcement agencies for wrongful action.

"There must be a mechanism or body to bring up complaints without the need to hire a lawyer as some may not be able to afford to do.

"If something not right is happening, we should stop it rather than wait for it to happen before taking action," Gobind added.

Earlier, Azalina assured the House that the MACC acts independently without influence from outside parties.