THE 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) to be held in Putrajaya in September appears to have attracted much interest especially with a veteran opposition MP’s comment that the conference should go on.
This essentially reverses a comment made earlier that the conference should not go on. It is also suggested that there should be a sub-theme of “1MDB Financial Scandal”. Why the about-turn? Is it self-interest?
This view, of course, presupposes that elements of corruption have already been proven and announced by the task force and/or the Public Accounts Committee (which includes opposition lawmakers), which is currently perusing the Auditor General’s report including questioning various parties on the purported sordid dealings of 1MDB.
One can’t help but agree that if this was so, this scandal would indeed be a “perfect case study” to show how corrupt Malaysia is and what more, for the good of the world at large, Malaysia is sharing our story. We will be remembered as a truly altruistic nation. In that context, the “show must go on”.
If it is a financial scandal not related to corruption, then the IACC Conference will not be an appropriate stage as its focus is on corruption. Consequentially, we may have to wait for a more suitable forum to highlight our ineptitude.
We must recall the Port Klang Free Trade Zone (PKFZ) case where following due legal process, the person charged was acquitted. No corruption here, so we can’t have this as a sub-theme!
Views have been expressed by many quarters on the “independence” of the special task force. The members, notwithstanding however independent they may be, the crux is that they are investigating their “boss”. So it is opined rather unfairly that they just cannot be independent. This places both the “boss” as well as the task force in a quandary. Whatever the outcome, the credibility of both parties is tainted.
It was suggested that the “boss” should go on leave and the deputy take over. The Bar Council has stated that it is “wholly unacceptable and untenable for the prime minister to continue in office while the investigation is in progress”. The deputy, however, has stated that “I fully support the task force…” and that all parties should have confidence that the task force will conduct its investigations in a fair and transparent manner! This is due process.
This saga inevitably draws attention to “Who’s the Boss”. Must all report to the same Boss?
This is where the opposition must make itself both useful and credible. Why is the MACC answerable to the prime minister? Why is sole responsibility for prosecution entirely with the attorney-general (A-G)? Are there no other better operating structures and options?
If we are comfortable with the current situation, then do not cast aspersions on the independence of these parties and for that matter the IGP and BNM governor. Accept their integrity and consequential independence. Snide remarks waste time.
If there is apprehension, opposition lawmakers should be more responsible and pragmatic.
Support amendments to the Constitution to make the MACC have a special service commission, where the chief commissioner has security of tenure and does not report to the Executive arm, and also to give the power to hire and fire. The A-G’s function should be separated into two functions: the public prosecutor function which is independent and the adviser to the government function.
These steps will eliminate the perceived inherent conflict of interest situation. The Bar Council could be more pro-active and forceful in helping to promulgate such changes. The people look forward to such leadership.
Opposition lawmakers should focus on the bigger picture. Asking first for cancellation of an international conference and later for sub-themes and case studies to be part of the schedule reflects lack of coherent thought and misplaced focus on street politics to score points.
Recently, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low said the conference, scheduled to be held in Putrajaya, would provide a neutral and conducive space for analysis and debate on new approaches applied by anti-corruption practitioners worldwide.
Low said the government recognised the need to improve governance in support of the country’s economic transformation to a high-income model and a developed nation by 2020.
The IACC is the world’s premier global forum for bringing together heads of state, civil society, the private sector and other interest groups in tackling the increasingly sophisticated challenges posed by corruption.
Low hopes with Malaysia hosting the conference, it would learn from experts and implement solutions that will help the country achieve its national goals. He added that the IACC would also provide an ideal opportunity for public administrators, corporate leaders and civil society representatives to engage with international experts in this important field.
To be a credible opposition, spend time on game-changing strategies! The IACC Conference, which is done in conjunction with Transparency International, should proceed as scheduled without hitches. We all can learn from it!
The writer is a member of the MACC
Consultation and Anti-corruption Panel