KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) protocols, which limit the number of representatives from entering its compound to meet officers on duty, would deter the public from lodging reports, says reform and civil liberties group Aliran.
Its executive committee questioned the purpose of such rules, saying they contradict the goal of making graft reporting easier as it makes public access to investigating officers difficult.
“Whom do such protocols protect?” Aliran said in a statement. “Wouldn’t such protocols, coupled with official antagonism, discourage others from making reports against powerful vested interests?”
The NGO was commenting on an MACC officer who allegedly acted aggressively and appeared to be dismissive towards members of Parti Sosialis Malaysia who had gone to the agency’s headquarters yesterday to lodge a report.
MACC had since reacted to criticism by saying that it is conducting further investigations over the allegation and would take appropriate action if misconduct is proven.
This follows a 22-second video of the incident that made rounds on social media yesterday.
Mahmad Farid bin Kamal Penolong Penguasa SPRM shouted and chased away the farmers and PSM team. SPRM total harrasement here.
— Parti Sosialis Malaysia (@partisosialis) April 21, 2022
Now only two allowed to make aduan. pic.twitter.com/nSlyE0QrAP
Based on the gazetted Prohibited Areas rules, the MACC said, the security division only allows three representatives to enter the compound and the MACC building to meet officers on duty to lodge a complaint over the suspected misappropriation of government land in Perak.
Video recordings and cameras are also not allowed in the areas without the permission of top management, it added.
However, around seven of the 25 individuals from the group entered the building compound in pairs up to the main entrance in the incident at 11am.
Aliran expressed shock at the officer’s behaviour and reminded public servants of their roles and who they are meant to serve.
Pointing out that officers are entrusted to serve the public, Aliran said that they are expected to always be courteous and professional when carrying out their duties.
“They also have a duty to exercise their powers responsibly,” it stressed.
“They need to explain clearly and calmly their agency’s protocol to members of the public – that is, if a breach of protocol had indeed occurred.”
It also urged MACC to conduct thorough investigations and take action to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
“In the spirit of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’, the MACC should also apologise to those on the receiving end of the officer’s outburst.
“We also urge the MACC to thoroughly probe the substance of the reports that the complainants raised regarding the disposal of state land.” – The Vibes, April 23, 2022
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