In a bold move, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said yesterday that executives of government-affiliated businesses (GLCs), government-affiliated investment firms (GLICs), and members of the judiciary will have to disclose their assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
According to Ismail Sabri, the special cabinet committee on anti-corruption has determined to amend the Audit Act of 1957 to strengthen professionalism and ensure the independence of the auditor-general.
He continued by saying that the legislation will bar the auditor general from participating in federal and state public services.
“MACC will table to the committee the details of this new code of ethics for the heads of GLCs and GLICs as well as members of the judiciary,” he said in a statement today after chairing a meeting with the committee.
Additionally, the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 (Act 347) would provide a new code of ethics for MPs and enhance the asset reporting process for administrative members, MPs, and senators.
The committee also decided to reevaluate the Malaysian Institute of Integrity’s strategic direction, which would now centre on promoting integrity in Malaysia through training, advocacy, research, and publication.
The Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre will also start providing the institution with a three-year fixed yearly funding for the aforementioned programmes beginning in 2019.
“The committee was updated on the latest status of the political financing bill, which will be regulated by an independent party known as the political finance regulator at the federal and state level.
“Views from stakeholders including political parties will be sought before the first reading is tabled at the coming Dewan Rakyat sitting,” he said referring to the sitting that will start.
He also said that a separate committee will be formed to oversee the transfer of local council officers as well as to avoid corruption, power abuse and “little Napoleons”.
Transparency International’s 2021 Corruption Perception Index ranks the country 62nd place out of 180 countries.
