KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 9): The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to explain its investigation into the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), which was "classified as no further action" (NFA). 

Reports from the Auditor General had recommended enforcement actions against HRD Corp, and it is believed that the Auditor General would not have made such recommendations without solid grounds, said Sim Tze Tzin, one of the 14 members in the bipartisan PAC.

“In fact, during the proceedings, the PAC also suspected the possibility of abuse of power within HRD Corp,” he said during a briefing session to the lower house of Parliament on Monday. Sim is also Bayan Baru member of Parliament (MP).

Sim added that the PAC had no malicious intent and did not seek to target anyone; its goal was to ensure the manpower development agency could enhance its reputation, and restore confidence among the public, particularly the contributors.

In the latest PAC report, the MACC stated that it found no wrongdoing within HRD Corp.

“We have opened an investigation paper,” said Mohd Fuad Sedet, an investigation officer from the MACC, as quoted in the report. “Based on our findings, no offences under the MACC Act were identified.”

During the debate session, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong called for a management overhaul at HRD Corp, despite the MACC clearing the agency of wrongdoing.

“The findings of the PAC and the Auditor General’s report provide sufficient evidence to support such a change,” Khoo noted.

He also chided HRD Corp for “lying” and “not taking PAC recommendations seriously,” as the agency rejected the call to separate the roles of legal advisors and company secretary.

One of PAC’s recommendations for HRD Corp was that these roles should be held by different individuals to ensure better governance at the board of directors and senior management levels.

“They argued in the proceedings that it is common practice in private corporations for one person to hold both roles, but the reality is the opposite. They are lying, and I hope the Ministry of Human Resources takes stern action,” Khoo added.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/737033