MACC should be under Parliament, not PM's department, says Amanah
Should not be allowed to run in elections, hold any political party position
Aiman Athirah Sabu (centre) at a press conference after the opening ceremony of the 2022 Cloud Convention.
SEREMBAN - Political party leaders and high-ranking public officials allegedly involved in corruption should not be allowed to contest in elections.
Amanah's women chief Aiman Athirah Sabu said they should also not be allowed to hold any position in any political party and public administration.
"This includes former prime ministers and ministers, They should be given severe punishment.
"If it's as far as stealing RM42 million, but 12 years in prison... it's not enough, he should continue to be prevented from joining a political party," she said referring to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who was recently sentenced to prison over money stolen from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
"The reason is that if they are still allowed to join political parties, they have the potential to make the same mistakes," she told reporters after the 2022 Cloud Convention, here.
Aiman Athirah further urged stricter punishment on those found guilty as a preventive measure.
This includes amending the anti-corruption law, especially the prison sentences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694).
Institutional reforms were also crucial especially within the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to ensure it operates without any political interference and is accountable to Parliament, and not the prime minister.
MACC's functions and powers should be further strengthened to prosecute corrupt leaders, she said.
Other measures are to split the duties of the attorney general and the public prosecutor to avoid conflict of interest, especially while dealing with high-profile cases.
The dignity, integrity and professionalism of law enforcement institutions that are seen as corrupt practices could be restored through the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
