KUALA LUMPUR: The All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption urges the government to expedite its commitment to institutional reforms.
APPGM chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang) said following engagement held between APPGM-IGA with other stakeholders, the group has agreed to prioritise four reform proposals out of eight.
He added that the decision to urge for the reforms be done in phases was made after considering several aspects which include the urgency and priority.
“The group has agreed for the reform proposals to be executed in phases.
“The focus of the first phase must be on the separation of powers between the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor; amendments to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2009; parliamentary reform through the Parliament Services Act; and the proposed Freedom of Information Act,” he told reporters on Thursday (March 21).
He said this at the Parliament media centre, which was also attended by MPs of different parties.
Syed Ibrahim said the separation of powers between the AG and the Public Prosecutor was important to avoid conflict of interests between the holders of the posts.
“This needs to be expedited to ensure the judicial system is not shadowed by negative perception of conflict of interest between AG and Public Prosecutor that could lead to a trust deficit among the people,” he added.
Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) said the amendment on the Whistleblowers Protection Act is imperative as further delays will only lead to the government being perceived as regressive.
“APPGM emphasised that the tabling of the amendment should not be postponed again as it is regressive and does not align with the government’s commitment against corruption.
“Whistleblowers should be protected perfectly and not feel intimidated when reporting any crime. Within the corruption context, the proposed amendment will be able to curb bribery from the initial stage before it progresses and affect the country,” he said.
While the four reforms were emphasised, Syed Ibrahim said the group will also continue to push for reforms on the remaining proposals.
The remaining proposals were amendments on Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009; introduction of Procurement Act and Political Funding Act; as well as the full implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan.
Among the MPs in the APPGM are Datuk Mas Ermieyati (PN-Masjid Tanah) who is also deputy chairman, Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong), Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong), Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (PN-Tampin), Dr Mohammed Taufiq (PH-Sungai Petani) and Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut).
