Gerakan supports the recommendation to give prosecution power to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) to charge any individual irrespective of his positions or political affiliation.

Gerakan vice-president Datuk Mah Siew Keong said today that a smoother and faster implementation of justice would also dispel public’s perception and notion that the government was always protecting the interests of high-profile individuals or Big Fish.

“The MACC not only must be independent but more importantly should be seen to be independent in carrying out investigations and when there is a case, the person should be charged as soon as possible without fear and favour,” Mah said.

Mah was commenting on a recommendation by the Parliamentary Special Committee on Corruption to amend the Federal Constitution to ensure the independence of prosecutors to charge a high-profile person.

The committee had noted that the main issue raised by the public resulting in a negative perception towards the MACC was that “it does not have the power to prosecute except with the consent of the public prosecutor based on Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution.

The committee noted that DPPs stationed in MACC are only able to make decisions with regard to ordinary investigation cases. However, high-profile and sensitive cases will be referred to the attorney-general’s chambers.

Mah said, rightly or wrongly, this has in a way affected the public perception of MACC’s independent and effectiveness in combating corruption.

Therefore, Mah argued, it was extremely important to restore MACC’s credibility and to regain public confidence by giving MACC more powers (including power to prosecute in high profile and sensitive cases) and resources in carrying out its tasks.

He said Gerakan has been urging the government for reform the MACC as well as the police and the Judiciary, as the true reform of these three critical institutions is seen as key to regain public trust and confidence in the government.

He said it was the people aspirations that MACC should be proactive and effective in carrying out its duties to combat corruption in the country.