Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said in a reply to Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Serdang) that the government has no intention to place the MCAC under Parliament directly, but it will report to a parliamentary committee.
He also said the government has no plan to give the commission any prosecutionpowers.
"The prosecution power is (the discretion) with the Attorney-General (Abdul Gani Patail)," Mohd Nazri told Teo during the 90-minute question session this morning.
He added that there was a clear separation of duties involving several government agencies when it came to probing and prosecuting offenders.
The formation of the MCAC was announced by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last month to show his seriousness in fighting corruption. The new agency would replace the Anti-Corruption Agency.
The new agency is expected to take root later this year.
Abdullah had said that the MCAC would table its annual report to a parliamentary committee on the prevention of corruption which would have the power to seek clarification and explanation on the report.
An independent corruption prevention advisory board would also be established to advise the MCAC on administrative and operational matters and on cases of public interest.
"The board can enquire or recommend that certain measures be undertaken. More importantly, the board will act to assure the public that public interest cases are dealt with appropriately and adequately," he had said then.
However, the Abdullah stressed that the ultimate decision to prosecute would lie with the Attorney-General although the board could ask him to take another look at cases he had decided not to pursue.
The MCAC will continue to be placed under the Prime Minister's Department.
Courtesy: The Star
