The parliamentary select committee on corruption has agreed with Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that its overall budget should be significantly boosted.

"We will make a recommendation to the prime minister to increase their budget," committee chairperson Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad ( below, with red tie ) told reporters at Parliament today af NONE ter a meeting on the MACC annual report.

According to the report, the MACC has asked for an allocation of RM324 million, though it only received RM156.8 million for 2009.

The MACC , thus, has been operating on less than 50 percent of its required budget.

Mohd Radzi added that an increase in the budget provision could also provide for more sophisticated and advanced technology and software for the commission’s staff to carry out their work.

Another major concern raised was the lack of human resources in the commission.

ummo youth pc 100306 abdul rahman dahlan “The officials are working extra time as there is a shortage of staff.

This cannot (be) sustained for a long period,” said Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan ( left ), who is also a member of the committee.

Investigations should not be compromised due to lack of staff, he said, so it is important for the body to have enough personnel - especially investigating officers, he said.

Echoing Abdul Rahman, Mohd Radzi said the committee will recommend that the commission’s staff be bolstered.

“MACC planned to increase its staff strength by 5,000 personnel in 10 years’ time. For 2010, they have requested for an increase of 900 but instead have only been provided with 76,” he explained.

Report to be completed by June

On the breakdown of cases, Mohd Radzi said that in 2009, only 939 had elements of corruption, whereas a total of 5,936 cases were reported to the commission.

Out of the cases investigated, furthermore, 500 people were arrested, including 23 politicians, he added. “Fifteen of the politicians were charged,” he noted.

A total of 174 cases were brought to court, said Radzi, out of which 79 cases led to convictions, 15 cases recorded guilty pleas, 43 cases were discharged before defence was called, nine cases were discharged after defence was called, 23 cases were discharged not amounting to acquittal and five cases were withdrawn.

The committee report is slated for completion before Parliament convenes on June.

Also present at the meeting were committee members Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw, Senator Armani Mahiruddin and Senator Zamri Yusuf.