C4 Center launches new report highlighting extensive weaknesses in the MACC’s oversight mechanism

KUALA LUMPUR 26 Jan - The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) has highlighted serious weaknesses in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) oversight mechanisms, citing structural flaws that have contributed to declining public confidence in the agency.

In its latest report, the civil society group said concerns over selective prosecution have intensified public scepticism, particularly as the MACC Chief Commissioner is appointed through the Prime Minister’s binding advice to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

According to C4 Center, this arrangement raises potential conflicts of interest when investigations involve the Prime Minister or close political associates.

C4 Center noted that since the MACC’s establishment in 2009, no major reform has been implemented to strengthen its independence.

Instead, the report said the commission has consistently resisted external oversight, with repeated calls to place the MACC under independent supervision firmly rejected by the agency and its Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki.

The group said while the MACC maintains that it is independent and subject to multiple “check-and-balance” mechanisms, its research finds these bodies largely advisory in nature and lacking real powers to investigate misconduct, compel evidence, or enforce accountability.

These bodies include the Anti-Corruption Advisory Body (ACAB), the Special Committee on Corruption (SCC), the Complaints Committee (CC), the Operations Review Panel (ORP), and the Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel (CCPP).

C4 Center’s report reviewed the functions, composition, and effectiveness of these bodies, and highlighted several high-profile cases demonstrating oversight limitations, including:

• Teoh Beng Hock’s death (2009): Despite multiple inquiries, no MACC officer has been charged for their role.

• 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal (2015): The MACC referred the case to the ORP following the Attorney General’s clearance of alleged misappropriation by the then Prime Minister.

• Azam Baki’s shareholding scandal (2021): Despite serious allegations, his term as Chief Commissioner has been renewed three times.

• Ignoring of SCC’s 2020 annual report: The report, published in 2022, has not been presented to Parliament as required by law.

• Syed Saddiq corruption trial (2025): The Court of Appeal highlighted instances of witness intimidation by MACC officers before acquittal.

To address these challenges, C4 Center recommends expanding Ombudsman Malaysia’s jurisdiction to include the MACC, establishing a Parliamentary Special Select Committee with oversight powers, restructuring advisory bodies for transparency, and separating the offices of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor with an independent appointment process.

The report also cites the recent Sabah Corruption Scandal and the MACC’s handling of Albert Tei as evidence of persistent accountability gaps, noting that without independent oversight, individuals have limited recourse even in cases of proven misconduct.

C4 Center said its findings underscore the need for robust, independent mechanisms to ensure the MACC’s powers are exercised with transparency, accountability, and public trust. - DagangNews.com