PETALING JAYA: Civil society has called on the government to demonstrate a serious commitment to institutional reforms in the wake of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) mishandling several high-profile cases. In a statement released on Tuesday (Sept 12), the Civil Societies of All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Integrity, Governance and Anti-Corruption expressed deep concern over recent events which saw the AGC mishandling corruption cases, resulting in dismissals and discontinuances under questionable circumstances. Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar and Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub were signatories to the statement.
The handling of these cases has sparked concerns that the justice system is in a precarious state and influenced by undue influence, leading to confusion and the perception of a ‘two-tiered’ legal system. The integrity of the justice system is therefore called into question, posing a threat to the nation’s stability. The civil society emphasizes the importance of the highest standards of accountability and transparency in every aspect of the prosecution process, including providing comprehensive information and details on all high-profile cases.
The group also urges the government to outline a non-negotiable timeline for implementing reforms. They assert that the Prime Minister’s goal of placing Malaysia among the top 25 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index within the next decade must be pursued with unwavering determination. To meet this commitment, alongside efforts to combat corruption and instill ethical values in public governance and society, strengthening and fortifying the legal framework is essential. This will ensure that the guilty face appropriate punishment and eliminate corruption from all levels of society.
The group also calls for their participation in reform committees, stating that such collaboration is not just important but an imperative mandate to accelerate the joint efforts of all stakeholders in eradicating corruption.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
