Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers should be protected from indictments as provided to bank supervisors in the country, said Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin.

She explained that the body should be given freedom as a constitutional body under the Parliament.

“MACC should also be authorized to strengthen the powers of investigation available. In addition, MACC officers should also be protected from indictments such as given to bank supervisors,” said Noor Farida.

Noor Farida who is also former Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands said this during her speech at the launch of Bersih 4 at the Petaling Jaya City Council Auditorium on Friday night.

Previously, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Paul Low was of the opinion that the Commission should be allowed a higher level of self-autonomy to ensure its independence and integrity is not compromised.

He added that the body should be free in executing their responsibilities professionally without the interference of any quarters.

UMNO Supreme Council member, Datuk Ibrahim Irmohizam MACC also proposed that MACC should be placed under the Parliament in order for it to be turned into an independent body.