TTF: Isn’t this another expression for redundancy and waste of taxpayer money (see news item below)?
The last I checked, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his criminal-suspect Minister of Finance pledged to reduce redundancy and wastage of taxpayer money by doing away with unnecessary government agencies, ministries and establishments. Thus far, they’ve kept that promise by abolishing a few ministries and agencies and event went so far as to scrap the much-needed High-Speed Rail (HSR) Link project. Then, all of a sudden, they’re willing to fork out dough to sustain a National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC).
But isn’t that akin to setting up another MACC and therefore redundant? Is Mahathir saying that he’s going to pay Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed salary twice?
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has agreed to the formation of the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC), which will coordinate and monitor all activities related to governance, integrity and combating graft.
The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, said GIACC is also responsible for planning, formulating strategies and evaluating policies in ensuring all government affairs are done based on good governance, integrity and zero-tolerance towards corruption.
“The prime minister has also agreed to appoint former Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed to head the GIACC,”said the PMO.
Abu Kassim, said the PMO, has vast experience in governance, integrity and in fighting corruption, both locally and abroad.
“Abu Kassim is also a member of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) Special Investigation Team and an expert with the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria,” read the statement.
Among GIACC’s primary roles, as agreed by the prime minister, were to ensure that 21 pledges related to governance, integrity and fighting corruption identified in the government’s manifesto, would be given special focus with regards to their implementation in certain phases.
All of GIACC’s recommendations for improvements would be tabled before the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR).
“This special cabinet committee will replace the Special Cabinet Committee on Government Management Competency (JKKMKPK).
“The JKKMAR will have a role in deciding on policies, direction of governance, integrity and anti-corruption efforts founded on the National Anti-Corruption Plan, which will be formulated later.”
The GIACC, said the PMO, would not cause any overlapping of responsibilities with existing agencies. These agencies would instead be restructured to become more effective or be dissolved based on suitability by taking into account the formation of the GIACC.
Source: NST Online
