Press Statement by Dr. Tan Seng Giaw in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 21^st April 2008: 

Balanced representations for Independent Commission and parliamentary committee on anti-corruption

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reminds the Prime Minister to ensure that there are fair and balanced representations in the Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption and the Parliamentary Committee on the Prevention of Corruption, reflecting the views of all Malaysians.

Dr Tan made the comment after attending the official launching of the first Asean Integrity Dialogue 2008 at the National Integrity building, Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur on 21.4.2008.

During over 4 years as the Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has set up the National Integrity Institute and formulating the National Integrity Plan. Today, he announces the restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), becoming a full-fledged Commission by the end of the year, answerable to a Parliamentary Committee on the Prevention of Corruption.

The number of officers at ACA will increase to 5,000. We hope that he will succeed in the restructuring.

Asean Integrity Dialogue is consistent with the concept of Asean community, embracing the principles of integrity. The 10 members of Asean have values such as in Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and so forth. We look forward to the value of integrity in all these religions.

Now, we must enhance the effectiveness of the anti-corruption campaign. The announcement by the PM needs cooperation from all people. We must have constant follow-up.

In the formation of the ACA Commission and the Parliamentary Committee, there must be genuine efforts to have true representation, with representatives who are well-qualified. After all, we need effectiveness, transparency and public accountability as reiterated by the PM.

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* Dr. Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Deputy Chairman & MP for Kepong