YOURSAY 'Why can't Najib work with the opposition to establish an independent MACC? Besides, we wouldn't want Pakatan to win two-thirds too.'

PM: More bite for MACC, only if BN gets two-thirds

your say Moontime: Yet another election promise by our honourable prime minister. He may assume that all Malaysians believed him, have faith in him and willing to support all his ideas, suggestions and promises.

Dear PM, I have sad news for you: for a party leader whose organisation is synonymous with corruption, lies and deceit just to stay in power, your statement rings hollow.

We have seen time and again how those who are close to you get off scot-free from indictment; no matter how serious the accusations against them.

We have seen how your predecessors annihilated their political opponents through trumped-up charges, selective persecution and blatant abuse of power.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Bender: There are so many things wrong that one can point out in PM Najib Razak's latest statement. For one, he clearly indicate that justice against corruption could take a backseat while Umno-BN ferociously use every corrupt means available in order to get its two-thirds majority.

Why should the MACC (Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission) have more independence only when BN gets to rule again? Does that mean the PM is admitting that MACC has not been independent all this while?

And we don't need to wait for BN to win again in order to amend the constitution to give MACC more independence. Pakatan Rakyat can do that as well, why give BN another chance?

To see just how stupid this PM's statement really is, just look at the number of postings in this comment section - they are reaching 200 already. I guess his stupidity really shines this time. Unbelievable!

Not Confused: More empty promises that will never be fulfilled. The only way for the MACC to be effective is if it is under the purview of Parliament and not the PM.

Only then, can it be subjected to independent monitoring and not beholden to the ruling government. Until that happens, it will continue to be a tiger without teeth.

Onyourtoes: We had the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency), but we said it was not effective, so we formed MACC.

We did not have advisory panels then, but now we have so many of them I wonder what they do and what expertise they have. But have all these helped to reduce corruption in the country?

Now we want an MACC service commission to appoint and sack MACC officers. May I know what difference would the MACC service commission make?

We already have the Public Service Commission which was instituted in our constitution. But have we not castrated the commission beyond recognition so much so that it was almost powerless to carry the role the founder fathers have envisaged?

Please, I think we are a nation of nincompoops who always think there is a simple solution to a complex problem. I think most of you either do not know, or pretend not to know, the subversion that is happening in most of our public institutions.

Changeagent: Ah Jib Gor (brother Najib), there is more than one way to skin a cat. Who says that BN needs to regain its two-thirds majority in Parliament before the MACC can be given more independence?

If you're sincere about setting up a service commission that is truly free of interference, manipulation and influence from the ruling government, I'm sure there is always the option for you to gain bipartisan support from the opposition parties.

Perhaps it's time you start to think outside the box a little.

ONG: BN does not need a two-thirds majority to carry out such a constitutional amendment. I am sure Pakatan MPs will chip in to help top up the numbers.

However, I can envisage that there will be many BN MPs voting against such an amendment. The present numbers are 140 BN MPs, 79 Pakatan MPs and three ‘frogs'.

The number required to get two thirds is 148. Besides the 79 Pakatan MPs, Najib needs to convinced 69 BN MPs to support the amendment.

I suspect it won't be easy to get 69 BN MPs to support a truly independent MACC. Not many people will put sand in their own rice bowls.

Rick Teo: BN has fooled the people for 54 years. If they were serious about corruption, they would have introduced the legislation a long time ago, they need not have to wait for the next election.

The trouble is BN is so immersed in corruption that it has no inclination at all to wipe it out. The only way we can wipe out corruption is to kick Umno from the seat of power.

Myop101: Is this an all-inclusive PM? Why can't he work with the opposition to truly establish an independent anti-corruption commission?

Besides, we wouldn't want Pakatan to win two-thirds majority too. We want a two-party system.

We want politicians that look beyond their party badges and get their hands dirty to work to build and strengthen the various check and balance institutions of the government, not letting the executive continue to dictate laws at their own whims and fancies including making amendments to the constitution as and when the ruling party feels like it.

Ben-ghazi: What happens to 'people first, performance now'? There is no need to wait for a two-thirds majority to amend the constitution to give more clout to the MACC.

If the amendments to the constitution are good, the opposition will fully support it. Do it now, in accordance to the much-touted 'performance now'. Otherwise, it is just empty slogan.

AnesthMO: If PM is really sincere, table it now. I am sure Pakatan will support with both hands and feet. Getting a two-thirds majority in the existing Parliament is not a problem.

More bite for MACC - another electoral bribe

Najib holds nation hostage to good governance

 


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