Wan Azizah : ACA reforms four years too late
Malaysiakini.com
Apr 22, 2008

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today said that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was four years late in restructuring the Anti-Corruption Agency into an independent commission. MCPX

raja nazrin undp book launch 210807 wan azizahShe said that Abdullah should have carried his reform agenda as soon as he received the people's mandate to fight corruption in 2004.

“Regrettably this announcement is late since the campaign against corruption was launched by the PM himself four years ago.

“And it is meaningless without amendment to the Anti-Corruption Agency Act,” she said in a statement today.

She said that her party was now awaiting for Abdullah to table the draft law to amend the Act in the next session of Parliament.

She also said that the amendment should include Abdullah’s other proposals to increase the commission’s staff strength as well as to create a new law to protect whistleblowers.

Wan Azizah, who is also the Opposition Leader, added that Abdullah should next reform the media by removing the government control over it.

“Without a free media, the agenda to fight corruption cannot succeed only on the basis of an independent ACA,” she said.

Led by clean leaders

Yesterday Abdullah announced that he would boost the powers of the anti-corruption agency in a bid to step up the battle against graft.
        
The proposed Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption, said the premier, would report to a new parliamentary committee on corruption prevention.

The premier also said the committee would further enhance transparency and public accountability as it could seek clarification on the new body's annual reports.

Abdullah said a new whistle-blower's act would also be introduced to give better protection to those who come forward to testify against corrupt practices.
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Meanwhile PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang welcomed the formation of the independent commission but reminded the prime minister that the combat against corruption must be fought by clean leaders.

He said that a mere change in name or status of the ACA without a clean leadership would not be effective in fighting graft.

“If the ruling party is burdened by this disease and they are in turn made responsible to eradicate corruption, then it would be difficult to trust them to do a good job,” he said.

Chance for brave changes

Gerakan Youth wing chief Mah Siew Keong however said that the reforms indicated the seriousness of the BN government in fighting corruption.

He said that opposition members of Parliament are appointed in the proposed parliamentary committee established to supervise the new anti-corruption commission.

gerakan youth agm 2007 051007 mah siew keong“We hope the opposition will play the constructive roles and assist the efforts of Prime Minister to fight corruption,” he said in a statement today.

He also said that Abdullah should continue with his reforms by next setting up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

“This is the chance for brave changes and Gerakan is fully behind the Prime Minister towards this direction for more transparency and accountability,” added.

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