He said they comprise the advisory panel, operational evaluation panel, prevention and inspection panel, complaints committee and the Special Committee on Corruption.

In an interview with Bernama, Azam said the advisory panel deals with policies and procedures, and the operational evaluation panel monitors cases and gives views on whether a case should be closed or re-evaluated.

The prevention and inspection panel provides advice on prevention of corruption and educational activities, the complaints committee monitors misconduct by MACC officers, and the Special Committee on Corruption looks at MACC’s annual performance and presents it to the prime minister.

Azam said the independent panels, whose members are not government officers, could be categorised as the people’s representatives or watchdog against any misappropriation by MACC.

He said the public wanted MACC to serve efficiently, professionally and be fair in handling cases involving corruption and power abuse.

“I’m not saying we are perfect in carrying out our jobs, but we are doing our best to resolve any issues raised by the people, like in the case of river pollution and land encroachment,” he added.