Set Up Special Panel on SRC International and RM2.6 Billion Fund - MACC

The recommendation in the setting up of the special panel, comprising representatives of various bodies, was forwarded by MACC deputy chief commissioner (Management and Professionalism) Datuk Seri Zakaria Jaffar who retired yesterday.

MACC, in a statement Monday, stated that Zakaria who was speaking in a ceremony in conjunction with his retirement, believed that the recommendation was crucial to ensure the confidence of the people in the investigation of MACC in high profile cases.

"It is recommended that a panel be set up comprising a former Attorney-General, a former judge and a representative from the Bar Council to study the results of investigations into the cases," he said.

Zakaria, who retired after 33 years of service, said the Attorney-General had the power to appoint anyone who is qualified to act in making a decision whether there is a case or otherwise to be taken to court. "This had been done before when a former Attorney-General was investigated by the MACC four years ago," he said.

According to the statement, Zakaria also recommended that the special task force which was set up comprising the MACC, Royal Malaysian Police and Bank Negara Malaysia prior to this, be activated to enable investigations to be conducted effectively.

He also suggested that before recommendations of the investigations were submitted to the Attorney General, MACC should present the findings and results of the investigation to the independent panel that monitors the work of the MACC.

Meanwhile, MACC chief Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed would resume his duty tomorrow following an operation two months ago.

However, he was advised by doctors against working full time for one month after the operation. "According to the doctor, the ailment takes three months for full recovery," he said in a statement issued by the MACC yesterday.

The statement quoted Abu Kassim, who talked to reporters, after a ceremony in conjunction with the retirement of Zakaria at the Malaysia Corruption Prevention Academy, here.

Abu Kassim said he would return to work earlier although his sick leave would only end on Friday (Oct 16) "as there are things which have been started, and I have to complete them".

Abu Kassim underwent a surgery on Aug 7 and was discharged on Aug 15.