DAP supports the Bills on the Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption (MCAC) and Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) in principle, but will withhold full endorsement until these are amended, said party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

anwar ibrahim speech in penang 061208 lim guan eng “The DAP central executive committee held an emergency meeting last night to consider the possibility for the first time, of supporting a Bill proposed by the federal government,” he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

“We have reservations about the MCAC Bill , but we also recognise that there are important steps forward... but it doesn't go all the way, only halfway.”

Lim, the Bagan MP and Penang chief minister, explained that the central committee feels that the attorney-general's (AG’s) continued hold on the power to prosecute has to be addressed.

He called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - who tabled the Bills yesterday - to arrange a briefing session for MPs before debate begins on Monday.

“Probably he can give us a short briefing on Monday around 8.30am, specially for those who want to ask any questions... unless (the AG’s control over prosecutions is removed, the committee won't be independent.

The DAP, said Lim, feels that the MCAC should have full powers of prosecution.

To facilitate this, there should also be an amendment to Article 145 of the federal constitution (which) gives the AG discretionary powers to initiate prosecution, Lim said.

‘Spell out powers clearly’

Asked whether the party would insist on the constitutional amendment before supporting the Bill, Lim said: “... until the issues are addressed, we cannot answer your question as to whether we will support the Bill or not.

“I’m not going to say that we will only support it if the amendments are made. But we hope they can adjust this concern - the AG’s powers must be clearly spelt out (and) the commission must have powers to initiate prosecution without reference to AG... that would be the ideal situation.”

Lim reiterated that, unless the provision is amended, the “sword of Damocles” would hang over the MCAC’s head.

On the bipartisan special committee to be set up under the commission, Lim said it should include recognised non-governmental bodies like Transparency International.

Commenting on the JAC Bill , Lim said DAP had “greater reservations” as it will be subjected to the control of the prime minster.

“We think this is an effort that does not fulfil the (measures sought by) the previous de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim,” he added.