Abu Kassim to head newly established centre for governance

PETALING JAYA: The newly established National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) will be helmed by former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has agreed to the establishment of the GIACC, which aims to coordinate and monitor all activities related to governance, integrity and anti-corruption activities in the country.
"The centre is also responsible for planning, formulating strategies and evaluating policies in ensuring that all government affairs are implemented on good governance, integrity and intolerance to corruption.
"The Prime Minister has also agreed to appoint Abu Kassim to lead the GIACC as he has extensive experience in governance, integrity and anti-corruption both inside and outside the country," it said.
Abu Kassim currently sits as a member aboard the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) special Investigations team and is an expert at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria.
"Among GIACC's initial tasks as agreed by the Prime Minister is to ensure 21 promises relating to governance, integrity and anti-corruption which is identified in the government's manifesto will be given specific focus for implementation at certain phases.
"All proposed improvements by the GIACC will be tabled at the Cabinet Select Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) to be decided upon," it stated.
The JKKMAR, which will be established soon, will replace the present Cabinet Select Committee on the Integrity of Government Management (JKKMKPK).
"JKKMAR will play a role in determining the policy and direction of governance, integrity and anti-corruption in the country through the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) framework which will be enacted later.

The establishment of the GIACC, the PMO added will not result in overlapping of powers and responsibilities within existing agencies.
"Instead, agencies will be restructured to be more effective or disbanded accordingly to take into account the establishment of the GIACC."