In an effort to restore the public’s confidence in the country’s system, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that all heads of government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), as well as members of the judiciary will soon have to disclose their assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
He said the decision was made during the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) on Monday (19 September) and the details of the new code of ethics will be presented by the MACC in the next meeting.
Ismail said that the asset declaration mechanism for members of the government administration, members of parliament (MPs) and senators would enhance the government’s credibility and integrity.
In addition, he said a new code of ethics for MPs would also be introduced under the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 and it would take into account the principles of the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
“In addition, the meeting was also informed of the latest status of the Political Donation Bill. This bill will be regulated by an independent entity known as the Regulators of Political Contributions at the federal and state levels,” he said.
“The views from all stakeholders, including political parties, on the details of the bill would be taken into account before it is presented for its first reading during the upcoming parliamentary session.”
Meanwhile, Ismail said the JKKMAR has agreed to form a committee to oversee the transfer of local council officers to curb graft, power abuse, and the existence of “little Napoleons”.
He said this was to improve service delivery and governance of local authorities, strengthen integrity and provide opportunities for mobility, while and improving aspects of experience, accountability and credibility.
Ismail explained that through this committee, local authority officers who have been serving in the same place for a long time could be transferred to a different local authority.
He also mentioned that JKKMAR has agreed to make amendments to the Audit Act 1957 by the National Audit Department to strengthen professionalism and guarantee the independence of the auditor-general’s (AG) role.
“These amendments would involve the provisions of the act to prevent the AG’s involvement in activities or committees in federal or state services. The AG’s involvement is allowed in the committee at the policy level.”
“The AG’s scope of work is expanded to audit any other body, including companies with government interest, subject to discretion,” he added.
Lastly, he said that the government is always committed to strengthening the value of integrity and ensuring that transparency in the nation’s governance is improved from time to time in making Malaysia a corruption-free country.
Malaysia dropped five spots to rank 62 in the global rankings of Transparency International Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2021.
Do you think this is a good start by the government to steer the country out of corruption? Share your thoughts!
, government-linked investment companies (GLICs), as well as members of the judiciary will soon have to disclose their assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).){kind=link}