KUALA LUMPUR: There is no conflict of interest in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) serving as the secretariat for the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says.
The Prime Minister stressed that MACC’s monitoring role does not compromise the impartiality of the initiative, which requires collective commitment from all relevant agencies in combating corruption across the country.
“NACS is a national initiative that involves multiple stakeholders and demands the shared responsibility of every agency.
“The role played by MACC does not give rise to any issues of conflict of interest,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday (Aug 5).
Anwar was responding to a question from William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang), who asked whether the government intended to separate MACC’s role as secretariat from NACS, citing potential concerns over impartiality, given the agency’s dual function as both implementer and evaluator.
While affirming the current arrangement, Anwar said the government remained open to proposals for improvement in line with its institutional reform agenda.
“The government is always open to any recommendations that can enhance the system, in line with the spirit and aspiration of institutional reform.
“Any such proposals will be examined in detail with all relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Launched by the Prime Minister on May 7, 2024, NACS focuses on the people’s well-being and is anchored on five key strategies - education, public accountability, people’s voice, enforcement and incentives - supported by a total of 60 sub-strategies.
Each sub-strategy is led by designated agencies, including the MACC, which is tasked with discussing, assisting and coordinating the implementation of these efforts through the twice-yearly Performance Coordination Meetings chaired by the MACC Chief Commissioner.
The outcomes of NACS are also presented periodically at the Cabinet Committee on National Governance, chaired by the Prime Minister himself.
