Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Paul Low has been reminded of his promise last year to extricate the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) from the Prime Minister's Department to improve independence.

Low, during the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) 2015 in Putrajaya last September also said there were plans to place the Auditor-General's Office under Parliament.

"A year has passed, we have not heard any news regarding these two promises," said Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng in a statement today.

"Was Paul Low tricked by his own boss, Prime Minister Najib Razak when the latter (presumably) rejected his suggestions to strengthen the independence of these two important national institutions?

"If not, is there any progress in his said plans?" asked the DAP parliamentarian, noting the conference was attended by a thousand delegates from around the world.

At the conference, the minister said a special committee had been set up to look into the plans.

“Making the MACC a separate service will require an amendment to the constitution for which two-thirds majority support in Parliament is necessary,” he was reported telling reporters after opening the event.

Tick tock

Lim reminded Low he has little time to prepare the suggested changes for Parliament to approve, and that as former Transparency International-Malaysia president, the minister needs to give the public an answer.

"In fact, in addition to these two suggestions, I am also interested to know what Paul Low has done in the 365 days from Sept 2, 2015 (when the announcement was made)?

"Before the 2017 budget debate begins in Parliament next month, Low must explain to the public why he should be allowed to continue as a minister and to receive a portion of the nation's budget for his post," said Lim.

Low was co-opted into Najib's cabinet after the 13th general election by way of being appointed a senator, and placed in charge of governance and integrity.