PAS intends to pre-empt the premier by tabling a motion on additional powers for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) when the final session of begins next month.

Najib Abdul Razak had pledged to give more powers to the MACC if the BN regains its two-thirds parliamentary majority in the next general election.

PAS pointed out that the MACC not only deserves autonomy in appointing its staff, but should also be equipped with prosecutory powers, as this is currently exclusive to the attorney-general.

NONE “PAS, through its parliamentary special committee on corruption, will study and raise the motion to establish an Anti-Corruption Service Commission (ACSC) as suggested by the prime minister, together with other relevant issues,” information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (left) said in a statement today.

Yesterday the premier had said an ACSC will be formed to enable the MACC to have full control over its officials, including the power to appoint and sack them.

Tuan Ibrahim said Najib does not need to wait for the next polls to get a two-thirds majority, because the people can judge the government's commitment by evaluating BN's reaction when PAS tables the motion.

"The people still remember the 'anti-corruption gimmick' of former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi which involved Kasitah Gaddam and Eric Chia.

"If (Najib) is sincere in combatting corruption, he does not need to take this issue as another 'you help me, I help you' promise to fish for votes, because PAS and Pakatan Rakyat will definitely support the motion as long as it brings benefits to the nation and people," he added.

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