Two-thirds majority not necessary, says Opposition

Source: http://www.mmail.com.my/story/two-thirds-majority-not-necessary-says-opposition (by Ram Anand, 28/2/2012)
Opposition MPs yesterday rubbished Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s statement that the proposed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) Service Commission could only be implemented if Barisan Nasional won a two-thirds majority in the next general election.
Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said they would support the Bill if it was tabled at Parliament in the near future, provided it upheld the idea of granting autonomy to the MACC. “In principle, I would vote for the Bill to be passed,” he said. Lim said that Najib was serious about his reforms, he should do it immediately and not belatedly.
“I also want to see the MACC be given powers to prosecute, removing the prosecuting powers to the attorney-general (A-G) alone,” he said.
Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said the Opposition would support any move designed to give the MACC greater independence. Asked about other ways the MACC could attain full autonomy, he said the Attorney-General’s Chambers should also be held answerable to parliament and not only the prime minister. “That way, the A-G’s Chambers will also be held accountable if it doesn’t charge someone with graft,” he said.
Both Khalid and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar (pic) questioned if the announcements were an admittance from the government that the MACC did not function effectively. “Pakatan Rakyat will be more than ready to support his reform initiatives. Najib is wrong if he assumes we do not prioritise the needs of the nation before our own partisan views,” said Nurul Izzah in a test message. “We joined the Parliamentary Select Commitee (PSC) despite its weak opposition representation and awful record of implementation to date.” She said that if the prime minister held a negative view of the Opposition in supporting his proposed reforms, it would be “irresponsible of him as a leader for all Malaysians”. “The prime minister’s statement shows a lack of political will and sincerity in addressing graft,” she said.