The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has formed a task force to determine an appropriate mechanism to implement and monitor the asset declaration process for judges as suggested by Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria.

The unit was headed by the director of the Inspection and Consultancy Division at MACC, Shaharudin Khalid, the commission said in a statement today.

The MACC welcomed the suggestion and the unit would be utilised for purposes of cooperation in line with the General Orders and Administrative Order 1993.

Arifin made the suggestion in his speech when opening the Annual Conference of the Malaysian Council of Judges in Putrajaya yesterday, and he also disclosed that the judiciary would cooperate with MACC on the matter.

“This commission welcomes the move and feels that the declaration of assets by judges is expected to strengthen further the judiciary in the country.

“The MACC is always prepared to assist any public and private agencies in studying and giving advice on the system and procedure to improve or introduce a new system or procedure to enhance the integrity of the institution,” he said.

According to the statement, judges appointed under the Judicial and Legal Service Commission were also subjected to the Public Officers’ Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993.

- Bernama