Wednesday, July 27, 2011

MACC unveils hi-tech video room

The first step towards rebuilding the image and integrity of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com-mission (MACC) has begun with the unveiling of its hi-tech video interviewing room (VRI).

Thirty-six such rooms, each costing between RM140,000 and RM160,000, are to be built in MACC offices nationwide.

Two are already operational at its Putrajaya headquarters, four in Perak and two at its training academy while the rest are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to implement recommendations by the Royal Com-mission of Inquiry (RCI) into Teoh Beng Hock's death and bring to book officers who breached its standard operating procedures when investigating cases.

“It is a lesson learned and this lesson has given a way forward for us to better our work and service,” said MACC director of investigations Da-tuk Mustafar Ali after briefing the media on the VRI yesterday.

The specially designed rooms will be equipped with state-of-the art video and audio recording equipment to dispel allegations of abuse, threats or intimidation during interviews of suspects. He also said the recordings would be used during proceedings to prove inconsistencies in a witness' statement or perjury.

In Kuala Lumpur, MACC chief Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed said the commission is discussing with the Government to enable its retired and former officers to work at government-linked companies (GLC), department or company.

“We hope to obtain a status like that given to auxiliary police, whereby MACC officers who have resigned or retired could work at GLCs or other companies. This is important especially in carrying out internal investigations during which the ability to call on those involved, who are not officers from the organisation, proved to be an obstacle,” he said at the Tenaga Nasional Berhad corporate integrity pledge launching here.

Source : The Star

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