BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says further discussions were needed before deciding on calls to place the MACC under Parliament's purview to ensure its independence.
Speaking to newsmen after attending a kenduri at Mengkuang Semarak here, Anwar said this was because if the MACC was placed under politicians, sometimes they might be on the radar of the anti-graft body.
"So, we need to look at the implications.
"There needs to be strict conditions," he said.
There had been calls to place the MACC under Parliament's purview to ensure its independence.
However, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, speaking on the latest episode of the New Straits Times' talk show Beyond the Headlines recently, said he disagreed with the notion.
He said the MACC was the only agency in Malaysia to be monitored by five independent oversight bodies.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the MACC had never been this aggressive in pursuing those involved in graft.
He said the graft-buster's daily actions showed that corruption was still occurring in the country involving politicians and government officials.
"Officials from the Immigration Department, the Inland Revenue Board, police, Customs Department…they are still taking the country's wealth illegally.
"This has to be controlled.
"What is important now is to investigate, and if there is visible proof, then prosecute.
"Answer to the charges with proof. Don't create. Don't use technical arguments," he added.
Earlier, at a get-together with the community to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha at Masjid Jamek Cheruk Tok Kun here today, Anwar said the government was asking the people to sacrifice yet some leaders were doing otherwise.