Expand GIACC’s role, not abolish it – Mahathir

SHAH ALAM - The role of the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) should be expanded further rather than abolishing it for irrational reasons, says Federal Territory Perikatan Nasional (PN) information chief Mahathir Mohd Rais.

He said the establishment of GIACC assisted the government in coordinating and monitoring all activities related to governance, integrity and anti-corruption in this country.

"GIACC is under the Prime Minister's Department, it should be easier to administer and manage, why is it not continued when its existence is beneficial for the country," he said in a statement.

He was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement that the government would examine the proposal to dissolve the GIACC Centre after it was found that there was an overlap between enforcement agencies, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police.

Mahathir said GIACC was responsible to plan, formulate strategies and evaluate policies to ensure that all government affairs were carried out with integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.

"Those who lead GIACC are professionals, the government that exists today should support more efforts to fight corruption and abuse of power.

"Besides that, it can also protect the people from corrupt leaders and enforcers who can destroy community institutions through corrupt practices," he said.

Mahathir added the excuse of wanting to reduce government costs also seemed to be deliberately sought to legitimise the repeal.

"The study on GIACC must be done impartially and must involve the proper authorities.

"If the decision later states that GIACC had to be abolished because of its ‘small’ role, it is a mistake.

"The people also know that GIACC is capable of bringing great changes to the country's political stability," he said.

In addition to GIACC, Mahathir also suggested that the National Recovery Council (MPN) be continued.

"MPN played an important role in overcoming the critical situation of the global economy due to Covid-19 pandemic.

"There is no doubt that MPN's role is very big in re-coordinating the economy and food safety as well as a platform for the government to prepare for unexpected situations," said Mahathir.

He explained that since its establishment, local experts, elected ministers, and senior government officials have shared the same table to discuss steps to speed up the country's economic recovery process.