[UPDATED] PKR-led youth groups issue eight demands to ‘save MACC’

KUALA LUMPUR – PKR-led youth groups have made eight demands in the form of a memorandum to the government to save the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) following the stock ownership controversy surrounding its chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Speaking to members of the press outside the Parliament building this morning, PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the memorandum named as Memorandum Rakyat has been handed over to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.

Akmal, who is also the Johor Baru MP, said the demands in the memorandum has to be immediately fulfilled to restore the people’s faith in graft-busting efforts.

“Azam must be suspended from all duties and a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) should be established to conduct a thorough investigation,” he said, reiterating party calls.

Earlier, more than 50 individuals representing 24 youth groups marched towards the Parliament while chanting “lawan rasuah, undur Azam Baki” (fight corruption, step down Azam Baki).

Akmal said the memorandum also demands for the MACC Act 2009 to be amended in order to strengthen integrity, transparency, and a fair check and balance process.

Among other demands made include making it mandatory for the MACC chief appointee to declare assets before the confirmation of the appointment, and the amendment of the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) 2010 to ensure better protection to squealers.

Opposition MPs, who were also present at the brief press conference on the curb of Jalan Parlimen, were Mohamad Sabu (Kota Raja), Maria Chin Abdullah (Petaling Jaya), Datuk Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena), Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai), P. Prabakaran (Batu), Teresa Kok (Seputeh) and Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Pandan).

Anwar, who had received the memorandum from Akmal, said he, alongside DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng (Bagan) and Amanah’s Mohamad will convey the demands to Ismail Sabri and urge for immediate action to be taken.

“Some say corruption is endemic while others say it’s systemic. If no action is taken and there’s no political will to tackle this issue, the system will collapse.

“We will bring forth this issue today so that immediate action can be taken.”

Meanwhile, happening concurrently on the opposite side of Jalan Parlimen, was a demonstration on floods and the climate crisis held by newly registered Muda.

Anwar, who spoke briefly to Muda representatives, said he will raise the matter to Ismail Sabri and in the Dewan Rakyat to be deliberated.

Earlier, in the special Dewan Rakyat sitting, Azhar said questions pertaining to the MACC debacle and embattled Azam will not be entertained.

Azhar said this is because Ismail Sabri, as the leader of the House, has not submitted any notice to Parliament for the matter to be discussed in today’s special sitting.

As such, he assumes that the motion to discuss the share ownership of MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki will not be included in today’s sitting and maintains that proceedings must follow the prepared order of business.

According to today’s parliamentary order paper, four ministers will provide explanations on the government’s flood handling, following which MPs will debate them, and followed by the winding up speeches.

Ismail Sabri will explain on the flood situation, Special Functions Minister Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad will speak on the management of the disaster, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will explain on the assistance, while Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man is scheduled to reveal the government’s long-term flood mitigation plans.– The Vibes, January 20, 2022