Rais Yatim, who is also the Dewan Negara president, said accountability to Parliament is “more meaningful” than accountability to the executive.

“It’s dangerous for work related to anti-corruption to continue to stay under the executive as it clashes with the concept of accountability,” he told reporters after an event here today.

His comments come after MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the agency may lose its independence if it was placed under Parliament.

“As the SCC chairman, whether (MACC) is to be put under Parliament or the prime minister, this must be decided by the people, not us,” Rais said.

He also called for an amendment to the MACC Act 2009 to give the SCC, which comprises seven members of the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat, more powers.

“Under Section 14, we advise the prime minister on any aspect of corruption. We advise but he doesn’t (need to) respond.

“We are also required to examine the annual report of the commission and comments of the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board. We examine, then what? We are done with examining,” he said.