KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is open to the idea of having the appointments of its chief and senior officers placed under the authority of Parliament, as suggested by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the agency was open to the idea, but it had yet to be called for any discussion on the matter.

"It all depends on the government's reform (agenda). But so far, MACC has no knowledge of the terms and the mechanism.

"We are always open (to discuss ideas) and have no issues. We are also willing to share our views," he told Berita Harian.

He was commenting on Johari's statement that several improvements would be implemented to empower Parliament, including establishing special select committees on the appointments of key positions in government agencies such as MACC and the Election Commission (EC).

BH had reported that placing the appointments of chiefs of sensitive agencies under Parliament could ensure independence and impartiality.

Johari had said: "The suggestion has long been made and I agree that (appointments of) important positions must be placed under Parliament.

"This means the appointments will be under the jurisdiction of Parliament, not the Dewan Rakyat speaker."

EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak refused to comment on the matter when contacted.

Dewan Negara President Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim and non-governmental organisations, including Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M), were among those calling for key appointments in the government to be placed under the jurisdiction of Parliament to ensure transparency and independence, so that they can make decisions without intervention or influence from any parties.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/876767/macc-open-giving-parliament-authority-appoint-senior-officers