An opposition MP today slammed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's proposal to use the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to vet BN election candidates for corruption.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said while he welcomed the PM’s call to ensure clean candidates are selected for the next general election, he reminded Najib that the MACC is not and should not be at the political party's beck and call.

"The call for the MACC to do this is misplaced. The PM cannot direct public bodies to do work which are outside their powers and more so for his benefit, as chairman of BN," said Gobind in a statement.

Gobind also asked if the PM was trying to use the anti-graft body as scapegoat so he can blame the commission for removal of candidates from the BN line-up.

"Whilst this may well be a way for the PM to retain and remove candidates without being blamed in the run up to the GE, but the fact of the matter is that the MACC does not have the power to vet candidates and cannot therefore engage in such an exercise."

He argued that the MACC has no jurisdiction to vet election candidates or any individual to determine if they are "free of corruption".

Gobind argued that as "a creature of statute" the commission derives its powers through an Act of Parliament and cannot operate beyond its mandate, such as being used to vet political candidates.

"Such would be an abuse of process and the public funds channeled to it to combat corruption."

The Puchong MP argued that the MACC should actually decline the premier's proposal as it presents a jurisdictional issue, and may impinge on the anti-graft body's independence.

It would also present a "conflict of interest and embarrassment" if those they "cleared" are later found to be engaged in corrupt practices.