Khalid: ‘We do not question MACC powers; we just want proper methods’
By EDWARD RAJENDRA
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the state circular that limited the time and specified the venue for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to interview state officers or staff, did not question the powers of the commission to undertake investigations but advocated proper methods.
“Our circular is not unlawful, it just states that proper methods be used when taking statements.
“We want the process to be reasonable and civilised in a way that both parties achieve their objectives,” he said.
Khalid added that the state welcomed MACC’s investigations but cautioned the enforcement officers to exercise their duties within the law and not exceed their powers.
On Monday Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail had said that the Selangor governments circular was purely administrative, unlawful and the A-Gs Chamber would seek a court ruling on it this week.
Abdul Gani added that the issue was whether the circular contradicted Federal laws and, if it did, than it would not be applicable because certain laws governed MACC’s functions.
Khalid said the state would study departments similar to MACC in New Zealand, Finland and Hongkong to understand the functions further, note better questioning methods and make it known to the public and the commission.
“We want the commission to adopt better questioning procedures from successful nations that respect peoples’ rights,” he said.
Probes like this must never disrupt the states operation activities as it was detrimental to efficient administration, he said.
sumber : The Star online
