PETALING JAYA: The appointment of Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman to helm the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) from next month is a good starting point to restore integrity in the country, says Bersih chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz.
He urged the government to carry out comprehensive reforms of the anti-graft institution regarding accountability.
“It is important for the government to immediately announce the establishment of an RCI to resolve allegations,” Muhammad Faisal said, referring to a Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram said Abdul Halim’s judicial background would bring a degree of credibility and professionalism that can help stabilise the institution.
“But we must be careful not to reduce this moment to a change of face. The deeper concern lies in how MACC is structured, particularly its reporting lines, its relationship with the executive and whether its leadership is seen to be independent in both form and substance,” he said.
MACC investigations, he said, must be impartial, internal integrity upheld and any issues affecting the institution’s credibility addressed transparently.
“Whistleblowers must also be protected, as they remain critical in the fight against corruption,” he noted.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said in a statement that MACC’s independence and credibility depend not only on the individual appointed but also on the integrity and legality of the appointment process itself.
Lawyer Nizam Bashir Abdul Kariem Bashir explained that the appointment was done in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
He cited the laws stating that the chief commissioner shall be appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister.
“This, pursuant to Article 40 of the Federal Constitution means the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must accept and act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister,” he said.
