Govt should reconsider having new integrity body, says Lee

PETALING JAYA: The Government is urged to reconsider the proposed establishment of the National Integrity and Good Governance Department (JITN).

Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said there were other existing government bodies with similar goals, which could lead to a duplication of duties and responsibilities.

“The JITN may not be necessary, especially during a time when the Government is talking about prudent spending in the wake of the present economic situation,” he said.

Instead, the Government should consider channelling funds in its coffers towards strengthening existing bodies, he added.

“For example, I think that the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) should be beefed up in terms of manpower and capacity building.”

Earlier this week, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low said the JITN would be set up as an upgrade of the Integrity and Good Governance Division under the Prime Minister’s Department.

The matter was being finalised by the Public Services Department, in consultation with all the relevant agencies, to ensure that there was no duplication in functions and also to improve the use of resources and manpower, he said.

However, Low said the proposed department could not exert control over other agencies, such as the MACC, Malaysian Institute of Integrity, Malaysia Human Rights Commission and also the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission.

According to Low, the proposed JITN would lead the transformational change in building institutional capacity, especially among civil servants, to initiate and drive policy changes, as well as to strengthen government processes.

Former Transport Ministry secretarygeneral Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said the Government should strengthen the existing institutions and give them more staff, resources and independence so they will be able to perform better.

He questioned the “hastiness” in establishing the JITN, adding that Low should provide a detailed public explanation on the intent and purpose of this new institution.

“He should also postpone the decision and consult the public. Please don’t be arbitrary and hasty because it could be counterproductive,” he said.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad had said on Friday that it strongly opposed the formation of JITN and called it a waste of public funds.

Dzulkifli said that the allocated budget for the JITN could instead be utilised to strengthen existing law enforcement units, rather than forming a new one which would undertake the same duties as the MACC.

He also added that JITN’s role could be carried out by existing agencies such as the MACC and other relevant bodies in the country.