This archive report was first published on 25 August 2021.
On August 25, 2021, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji pointed out that Members of Parliament (MPs) are a significant obstacle in the fight against corruption.
According to Haji, the prosecution of corruption cases is hindered by weak laws and numerous loopholes that allow suspects to evade investigation and prosecution.
He emphasized the need for Parliament to review and strengthen existing laws to seal these loopholes and make the prosecution of graft cases more effective.
"I cannot prosecute anything based on our reports. We still have to take it to an investigating authority, whether it is the EACC or the National Police Service, for me to be able to prosecute," Haji stated.
He also criticized the use of court injunctions by suspects to thwart prosecutions, citing the example of at least nine governors who had been removed from office in relation to graft cases but managed to maintain their seats after obtaining court injunctions.
Haji accused MPs of prioritizing their individual interests over the war against corruption, saying that if Parliament demanded that individuals involved in graft cases step aside, the problem would be significantly reduced.
He also expressed concerns about the integrity issues within parliamentary committees, which he believes affect the establishment of new laws and the review of existing laws.
