A QUESTION on the proposed Ombudsman Bill turned into an argument between the MPs after Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) asked the government on the whereabouts of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s son-in-law, who is wanted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Khoo asked whether the future Ombudsman would provide checks and balances on MACC and if incentives for whistleblowers would also apply to informants abroad.
He questioned the challenges in extraditing corruption suspects who flee to countries without extradition treaties with Malaysia.
“The son-in-law of Pagoh MP who is involved in a corruption case. MACC wants to charge him, but he has fled abroad.
“Can incentives also be given to whistleblowers overseas? And since the son-in-law has fled, have we asked his father-in-law (Pagoh MP Muhyiddin) where he has gone to?” Khoo said.
Datuk Abdul Khalib Abdullah (PN-Rompin) stood up and cited Standing Order 36(10)(c), accusing Khoo of promoting ill-will.
“How many times has Kota Melaka asked the same question – son-in-law, son-in-law, son-in-law? It’s really upsetting us.
“If I ask about the (Penang) tunnel case, how would he feel?” he said.
Khoo shot back: “Tak sakit hati pun (I wouldn’t feel upset).”
Responding to Khoo’s original question, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is studying the Ombudsman model based on the Islamic concept of hisbah, an institution of public accountability that historically oversaw governance across all branches of authority.
“If we look at Islamic civilisation, the Ombudsman is tied to the institution of hisbah. It provides public accountability and overrides enforcement bodies.
“So, can it monitor institutions? Yes, hisbah oversees the executive, legislative and judiciary if there is misconduct or corruption, including MACC. We are examining this in detail,” he said.
On incentives for overseas whistleblowers, Anwar said he would need to refer to existing regulations but stressed that enforcement agencies have flexibility to determine the best approach.
“In cases where suspects flee abroad, the process continues, whether by the police or MACC, although it becomes more difficult,” he added.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul reminded the MPs that the matter had been raised several times and responses were given.
“It need not be raised again unless there are new developments.”
