KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has proposed that a new law on misconduct in public office be formulated to punish civil servants responsible for causing losses to the country.
Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed (picture) said the MACC is discussing the proposal with the Attorney-General’s Chamber and the relevant agencies.
“Section 23 (relating to abuse of power or position for self-interest) which is being used has limited power. It only specialises in the decision-making process involving parties related to individuals,” he said after the special assembly to mark the 46th anniversary of ACA/MACC here today.
Abu Kassim said the scope of the offence is small as it is focused on the person making the decision, for example, in giving the tender or land to his siblings.
“However, it is not an offence if he makes a declaration outside the meeting,” he said referring to the Auditor-General’s Report of offences committed by civil servants that brought losses to the country.
With the new law, the MACC would be able to prosecute individuals who ignore the public interest thus causing loss of millions of ringgit to the people.
He also said the MACC has proposed that Attorney-General amend the law to act against members of board of directors who allow corruption in companies.
“We propose that it should be made an offence. We want to change the culture in our society to make the receiver, the giver and those who allowed it to happen to be responsible.” — Bernama
