No time frame for probe of MACC officers

No time frame has been fixed for the internal probe against three Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers named in the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock.

MACC director of investigations Datuk Mustafar Ali said that commission did not want to rush its internal probe into the RCI's findings.


MACC officers show how the room would be used during a media briefing Tuesday

“No time frame has been fixed for the completion of the internal investigation,” he told reporters after a briefing on MACC's video interviewing room on Tuesday.

On the nature of the probe, he said that it would focus on administrative and procedural issues with criminal investigations left to the police to conduct.

He said the findings of the internal probe would be forwarded to the commission's complaints bureau that would recommend action against the three officers concerned.

In a related development, Mustafar showed the commission's latest video interviewing room (VIR) that would be used to record statements from suspects or accused persons.

The specially-designed rooms come equipped with state-of-the art video and audio recording equipment aims at curbing allegations of abuse or threats made against such persons during interviews.

At present there are two operational VIR rooms at their Putrajaya office, four in Perak and two at its training academy.

A total of 36 VIR rooms would be operational by the year's end.

Copies of the recording will be made available to the court and accused or suspect if they request for it while a copy will be held by the MACC.

Source : The Star

MACC chief to helm panel reviewing SOP

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed (pic) will head a new committee to review its existing standard operating procedures (SOP).

The executive transformation committee, which takes effect immediately, was formed following the release of the report into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock by the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

“MACC views seriously and accepts openly the recom­mendations suggested in the report,” the commission said in a statement here yesterday.

This move is in addition to the internal probe led by MACC deputy chief (management and professionalism) Datuk Zakaria Jaafar.

“The executive transformation committee will look into improving MACC’s effec­tiveness in both administrative and operational fields,” it said.

The committee comprises MACC’s four top officers, four MACC panel and committee members as well as two legal experts.

Zakaria has also been appointed into the committee.

The others include MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Mohd Shukri Abdull, MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Sutinah Sutan and Anti-Corruption Advi­­sory Board member Tan Sri Rashpal Singh.

Actions to be taken by the committee include re-forming the commission’s structure and management besides improv­ing its investigative effectiveness.

The committee will be assisted by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) of the Prime Minister’s Depart­ment.

Local and foreign experts will help to evaluate and implement the RCI’s recommendations.

The RCI had recommended that action be taken against the officers who were involved in questioning Teoh.

Source : The Star