KUALA LUMPUR: Pas today pledged to support the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's bid to amend the Federal Constitution, in order to improve efforts to fight graft and corruption.
Its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said it was hoped that the party's support would help to strengthen the MACC, not just by tightening laws against corruption but by improving enforcement.
"The act of bribery is against the law and is considered a sin in Islam, and yet it is so easy to carry out by both -- those who give and receive bribes.
"As such, Pas has always supported all efforts aimed at ensuring that the laws are respected, where the authorities are given the ability to combat corruption without fear or favour," he said during a dinner held at the Parliament to boost cooperation between the Islamic party and the MACC.
The MACC is seeking to set up its own services commission in order to ensure greater independence, including in the appointment and termination of the MACC chief.
The proposal would require amending several laws as well as a constitutional amendment that would give the MACC hire-and-fire authority over its own officers, and remove the prime minister and the Cabinet's influence over the appointment of the chief commissioner.
Abdul Hadi gave his assurance that all 21 Pas members of parliament will back the amendment, which requires the support of two-thirds of the country's lawmakers.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdul, who briefed the Pas members present, said the anti-graft body will also be meeting with Barisan Nasional, DAP and PKR lawmakers on the proposed amendments.
"We want to ensure the MACC is able to carry out its duties as an investigative body without any external pressure or interference," he said.