[UPDATED] Judges, GLC, GLIC CEOs to declare assets to MACC: PM

KUALA LUMPUR – Chief executive officers of government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and judiciary members will have to declare their assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the special cabinet committee on anti-corruption also decided to amend the Audit Act 1957 to empower professionalism and guarantee the independence of the auditor-general.

He added that the amendment will prevent the auditor-general from being involved with public services at the federal and state level.

“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 asset declaration mechanism for administrative members, MPs and senators will be strengthened while a new code of ethics will be introduced for MPs under the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 (Act 347). 

The committee also agreed to review the direction of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity to focus on strengthening integrity in Malaysia through education, advocacy and training, research and publishing as well as strategic cooperation. 

Beginning next year, the institute is also set to receive a three-year fixed annual grant through the Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre for the above programmes. 

“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 added 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”. – The Vibes, September 19, 2022