M`SIA`S SENATE PASSES MACC BILL 2008

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The Upper House of Parliament Monday passed
the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Bill 2008 that among others is
to enhance the integrity of the public and private sector with the setting up of
an independent and responsible anti-corruption body.

It is also to educate public authorities, public servants and the public
about corruption and its ill-effects on public and private administration and
the community.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohamed Nazri Abdul
Aziz, while winding-up debate on the Bill, said the government supported the
giving of higher wages to MACC staff as their duties were challenging and risky
in eradicating corruption.

"I hope the Public Service Department (PSD) will take this matter seriously
as we all agree that fighting corruption was a serious matter.

"As such the government supports the proposal that a better wage scale be
provided and which is far better than for officers in other sectors," he
said.

Mohamed Nazri said the commission will not only be involved in combating
corruption in the public sector but also in the private sector.

"This bill was drafted for various sectors including the private sector, it
is just that many people talk about the public sector as that is where
ministers, their deputies, state executive councillors and mentris besar are.

"Actually, corruption also takes place in the private sector but it does
not
draw the attraction of politicians to talk of corruption in the private sector,"
he said.

Mohamed Nazri said foreigners were not exempt from action under Article 21
of the Bill.

"Bribes given by foreign investors to public servants in the country can
lead to prosecution," he said.

The Upper Houser of Parliament proceedings continue Tuesday.
-- BERNAMA