Reinstatement of MACC officers a smart move - Khairy

The reinstatement of the two senior Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) officers back to the commission is a smart decision, Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin said.

He described the move as a positive development as it will enable the officers to carry out their duties without any intimidation.

Khairy said, the reinstatement will also help change of public perception.

"I hope with the reinstatement, all MACC officers will be able to carry out their duties without any threats, intimidation or hurdles," he told reporters at the Youth and Sports Ministry Aidilfitri open house at the Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil today.

He also stressed that action against MACC officers needs to be stopped as they were only carrying out their duties.

Yesterday Khairy urged for a stop against the 'intimidation' and action towards MACC senior officers.

He said, the transfer of two senior officers to the Prime Minister's Department seemed very strange and very disappointing as if it was a planned intimidation against MACC.

When asked on the suggestion that the MACC be put under the Parliament, Khairy said, it was an irrelevant move because the MACC is able to carry out its duties on its own.

"The MACC should be left alone and given the freedom to carry out its duties. No other government institution should violate that principle.

"Secondly, if there is any interference towards any institution such as this, this will lead to a negative public perception. Therefore this institution should be given the freedom to carry out its duties," he said.

At the same time, Khairy also agreed with the suggestion put forth by Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein on the formation of a new Public Accounts Committee.

He said, the PAC issue is an issue of national interest and it should not be delayed.