Head of RCI Into Corporate Mafia Must Be Free From Executive Influence – C4
SHAH ALAM: Any individual proposed to head a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) or special task force to address the corporate mafia issue must be assured that the appointment is made independently, without executive or political influence.
The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) said in a statement that without the necessary independence, doubts would arise over the individual’s ability to achieve the intended objective of genuinely combating corruption.
According to the organisation, RCIs have proven valuable in the past in uncovering specific details and the complexities of major corruption scandals.
“With regard to corruption, concerns have previously been raised that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) may be vulnerable to executive influence, given that the appointment of its Chief Commissioner is made at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
“To ensure corruption can be comprehensively addressed, institutional reforms must be implemented to establish an agency that is truly independent and accountable,” it said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said the proposal to involve Mohd Shuhaily in an inter-agency special task force should be assessed based on its necessity, independence and effectiveness in upholding justice.
He stressed that a genuine commitment to combating corruption and abuse of power must be demonstrated through a willingness to investigate all parties based on evidence, including when allegations involve individuals holding positions of power or influence.
“These two proposals involve different considerations. Appointing an individual concerns suitability for the assignment and operational requirements, while establishing an RCI involves the scope of scrutiny and the ability of existing mechanisms to address potential systemic weaknesses.
“Therefore, regardless of the mechanism chosen, the public has the right to know who will lead it, the scope of its mandate, the oversight arrangements and how conflicts of interest will be managed.
“Any officer with a direct interest in the matter under investigation must be excluded from handling the case or making related decisions. Transparency in the process can be enhanced without disclosing evidence or compromising the investigation,” he said.
Sinar Harian