RASUAH Busters maintains that the crisis involving the leadership of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has gone beyond a matter of perception and has undermined public trust in the MACC and its role as the nation’s principal pillar of integrity.
The public needs a more convincing response, one that includes clear corrective measures that are independent, structured, time-bound and accountable.
The public cannot be appeased by the mere establishment of a special committee if there is no assurance of concrete steps to genuinely restore the institution constructively, structurally, and comprehensively.
Rasuah Busters stresses that any investigation into the MACC Chief Commissioner or any officers involved in the allegations must be reported in detail and conducted independently, free from any executive influence. Otherwise, it will reinforce the perception that political interference continues to haunt the MACC.
In the interest of integrity, the best governance step at this time would be to place the MACC Chief Commissioner on leave - not as a punishment, but to ensure investigations can be carried out without suspicion or the perception of possible interference with witnesses, documents or other matters that could taint evidence and obstruct justice.
Meanwhile, the MACC must remain responsible for continuing investigations into other cases with the highest level of credibility.
However, in view of weaknesses in the existing structure, Rasuah Busters and its coalition partners have previously proposed amendments to the MACC Act 2009 and the establishment of a Malaysian Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC).
The recurring crises involving the MACC clearly demonstrate the urgent need for structural reform of the institution. It is therefore time to end the institution’s dependence on the executive and to place the commission’s accountability under Parliament. The appointment and removal of top leadership must go through an open, transparent checks-and-balances process.
An independent external oversight mechanism should be established to investigate any misconduct among top leadership, without fear or the shadow of conflicts of interest.
The same applies to transparency in asset declarations and conflicts of interest, which must be independently audited and reported directly to the relevant Parliamentary committee.
These structural reforms are fundamental and require a specific timeline, not merely a change of leadership or individuals. This is crucial because if the same crisis recurs, efforts to combat corruption in this country will become increasingly difficult.
As previously proposed, membership of the relevant body should comprise 40 per cent representatives from civil society. Public consultations with stakeholders are necessary, as the current momentum presents the best opportunity for these reforms to take place.
I also call on all Malaysians to demand transparency and to support reform efforts through lawful channels while respecting our constitutional democracy. Do not be easily swayed by baseless political narratives or those unsupported by strong evidence.
This crisis is not normal. Our duty is to ensure that our elected representatives remain attentive to the issue by advancing substantive solutions in a moral manner, solutions that will shape a more dignified future for Malaysia.
Let us open our eyes to see this crisis as an opportunity to re-examine and improve the existing legal framework so that the MACC is freed from any perception of executive control and as a time for internal integrity reflection across the institution in fulfilling its mandate of justice for a nation that upholds the rule of law.
Nurhayati Nordin is the Chief Executive Officer of Rasuah Busters.