RETHINK INTEGRITY DEPT, GOVT URGED
Body may duplicate efforts and duties of MACC, says Lam Thye
C. PREMANANTHINI KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my
THE Federal Government has been asked to reconsider its proposal to establish the National Integrity and Good Governance Department (JITN).
Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the setting up of the department ought to be reconsidered as it might duplicate the efforts and responsibilities carried out by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Lee said although he was not against the government’s move to promote integrity, he did not see the rationale of having too many bodies serving the same purpose.
“This is my personal view. I am all for integrity and for the fight against corruption. I am not against efforts of the government in promoting integrity... but having too many bodies with the same objective may create a lot of duplication.
“Whatever resources being utilised for the setting up of this department can and should be channelled to MACC as this will beef up the commission,” he said, adding that this would be the best arrangement as the commission was action-oriented and had been doing a good job fighting corruption.
Last Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuang announced that the cabinet had, on July 28, approved the upgrade of JITN to become a fullfledged department.
It was also reported that the setting up of JITN was being “finalised” by the Public Service Department to ensure that there were no duplications in functions and that it was to improve the effective use of resources and manpower. The MACC has opposed the move, saying that it was unnecessary.
Its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad, said the establishment of JITN could create an overlap in functions of existing agencies.
He added that the government should instead utilise its funds to upgrade the salary scheme and welfare of civil servants.