KUCHING, April 2: Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim should appoint leaders and technocrats to lead Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) who will act in tandem with his reform agenda and not hinder the efforts he is taking.
International labour adviser of Social Protection Contributors’ Advisory Association Malaysia (SPCAAM), Callistus Antony D’Angelus noted it was reported that international fraud syndicate has penetrated five banks in Malaysia, where at least 20 employees, including auditors and frontline officers to facilitate the syndicate in opening bank accounts.
According to him, BNM govenor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, also stated that the five banks were not investigated and the focus was on the employees involved.
“It cannot be denied that the individuals involved should be investigated and criminally charged as appropriate.
“On the other hand, not putting the five banks involved under investigation shows significant incompetence on the part of BNM, and reflects the systemic corruption and lack of proper governance in this country,” D’Angelus said in a statement today.
He called on Anwar to intervene and transform the management of BNM as limiting the investigation to only the workers involved is like dealing with the symptoms and ignoring the causes.
“The reason international fraud syndicates can penetrate the system is due to inefficient compliance, risk management and control mechanisms of the banks involved.
“BNM should play a direct role in investigating the bank, and disclose the results of the investigation to the public.
“Accountability should be at the highest level of the bank involved including in the office of the Chief Executive Officer,” said D’Angelus. — DayakDaily
