More want A-G to act over transfers


Making his point: Lim discussing the MACC transfer during the interview.
Making his point: Lim discussing the MACC transfer during the interview.
PETALING JAYA: Civil society groups want new Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Apandi Ali to act on former A-G Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman’s call to investigate the Chief Secretary and Public Services Department director-general for transferring two Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission directors.
“I agree with Abu Talib’s comment that the transfer of the two MACC officers may be an offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code,” said Lim Chee Wee, MACC’s Operations Review Panel member.
It might also be an offence under Section 48 of the MACC Act which deals with interference of the agency’s investigations, he added.
On Wednesday, The Star quoted Abu Talib as saying Chief Secretary Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and PSD director-general Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal had “prima facie, committed an offence” under Section 186 which touches on contempt of the lawful authority of public servants.
On Friday, MACC special operations division director Datuk Bahri Mohamad Zin and strategic communications director Datuk Rohaizad Yaakob had been transferred out with immediate effect.
The move was revoked on Monday but Abu Talib urged Apandi to have police investigate saying the transfer appeared “to have interfered with the exercise of a public duty by a public servant”.
“The Government should look for better advice before acting or making a decision,” Lim added.
National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan welcomed Abu Talib’s highlighting of Section 186, which allows for two years’ jail for anyone obstructing a civil servant from doing his job, in addition to Section 48.
“I agree there is a prima facie case. An infringement is very serious.”
Society for the promotion of Human Rights (Proham) secretary general Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria said there was an urgent need to ensure Parliament, MACC, Election Com­mission and the Attorney-General were free of executive control.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen parliamentary democracy especially in having checks and balances and for stronger constitutional protection.”
Dr Denison said current experiences require these measures to protect democracy. “Malaysia is just five years from 2020 and therefore democratic institutions are essential.”

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/13/More-want-AG-to-act-over-transfers/

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