An historic dialogue today between the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Chinese guilds was dampened by the commission's refusal to commit to a witness protection programme.

The closed-door meeting, organised by Chinese guild umbrella body Hua Zong, was underscored by the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock, who died shortly after being interoggated by the MACC last year.

Speaking to reporters later, Hua Zong secretary-general Dr Chua Yee Yen expressed concern over MACC's purported lukewarm reception to their proposed witness protection programme.

"Anyway, we are pleased that the MACC met us and gathered feedback from the public and NGOs," said Chua.

The MACC delegation was led by newly minted chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed. The meeting was held at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Chua also revealed that Hua Zong suggested for a third-party to be present during interoggation to guarantee the safety of witnesses.

More Chinese officers

Meanwhile, Hua Zong president Pheng Yin Huah said that in general, the MACC delegation has responded positively to the suggestions it raised.

Abu Kassim told reporters that MACC will look into Hua Zong's suggestion to increase the number of Chinese Malaysian among its ranks.

For a start, MACC will absorb 20 Chinese Malaysians as officers from various professional fields as soon as possible, and promised a lucrative salary package starting from RM3,000.

Abu Kassim appeared upbeat about the dialogue and expressed gratitude to Hua Zong.

"Once the term of the existing MACC advisory panels and committees expires this year, we will try to invite representatives from Hua Zong to join us," he said.

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