BN pledges to set up more courts to deal with corruption cases

The Barisan Nasional (BN) will establish additional special courts to deal with corruption cases, underscoring its unwavering commitment to fight the scourge.

Fourteen such courts had so far been set up throughout the country.

The BN is also committed to giving equal emphasis to investigations into, and actions against, bribe givers and receivers.

These are contained in the BN manifesto themed 'A Promise of Hope' unveiled by Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight, ahead of the upcoming 13th general election.

Najib had announced the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat on April 3.

Highlighting what the BN will do if given another five-year mandate, the manifesto said the public disclosure of contracts to enhance transparency in government procurement is also high on the list.

It further said the BN will fast track access to the Auditor-General's Performance Audit Report for immediate action, and implement integrity pacts for members of parliament and state assemblymen.

There is also the promise to empower the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) through the establishment of a service commission as well as elevate the head and senior officers of the MACC to a higher level.

"Fighting and eradicating the scourge of corruption has been and continues to be one of the government's highest priorities.

"... we are committed to doing much more to combat the scourge and improve rankings on corruption," the manifesto said.

The document said that in weeding out graft, the BN had tightened government procurement measures to reduce the incidents of corruption, besides making MACC answerable to an independent parliamentary committee.

It had also established integrity pacts with business communities to inculcate an anti-corruption attitude.