KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 18): Steps will be taken by the government to uphold integrity and accountability, and to ensure check and balance in the public institutions.

These include the introduction of Parliamentary Services Act 1963, which was repealed in 1992, as underlined in the Mid-term Review of the 11th Malaysia Plan 2016-2020 report.

In a nutshell, the Act will provide the parliament autonomy to conduct its own administration, staffing and financing.

"An effective Parliament contributes significantly towards enhancing state capability, accountability and responsiveness, as well as to ensure executive powers are kept in check," the mid-term review said.

Following on, commissions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be answerable directly to the parliament, as promised by the Pakatan Harapan government after it came into power in May.

Additionally, it will introduce public advocate Ombudsman — also answerable to the Parliament — to address and investigate complaints of mal-administration in the public service.

"In addition, select committees must endorse the appointment of key positions among others, including within the MACC, Election Commission, National Audit Department (JAN) and Judicial Appointments Commission," the report added.

Meanwhile, the government plans to review the MACC Act 2009 "to ensure wider coverage" of the commission in combating corruption.

Other laws to be reviewed include the Witness Protection Act 2009 and Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to improve the protection of informants, as well as the Official Secrets Act 1972 "to ensure the Act is solely used to protect national security and sovereignty", the report said.