What Reform, Mr PM?

I popped my EYES WIDE OPEN when I got news that the PM's most anticipated (if anyone is anticipating it) reform Bills - namely Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Judiciary Appointments Commission (JAC) - have been tabled in Parliament.

Here's a quick comparison of the old ACA and the new MACC, as well as the old way of appointing judges and the new JAC, and you decide whether we should celebrate our dear PM's vaunted reforms and award him Malaysia's version of the Nobel Peace Prize - if there is such a thing.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)

Old Procedure

ACA answers to the PM

New Reforms

MACC answers to 5 separate bodies, whose members are appointed by the PM

Old Procedure

Headed by the Director General, who is appointed by the PM

New Reforms

Headed by an independent Chief Commissioner (formerly the DG of the ACA), who is appointed by the PM

Old Procedure

ACA Director General has no powers to prosecute, and the AG decides on his recommendations

New Reforms

Independent Chief Commissioner has powers to prosecute, under the authority and say-so of the AG

Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)

Old Procedure

No official body recommends names to the PM. Judges are appointed by the PM at his sole discretion

New Reforms

The JAC recommend names to the PM, who then appoints judges at his sole discretion

Old Procedure

No official body exists to safeguard the independence of the Judiciary from the Executive (Cabinet) and the Legislature (Parliament)

New Reforms

The JAC acts as the safeguard the independence of the judiciary. Members of the JAC are appointed at the sole discretion of the PM, who is the head of the Executive and the Legislature.

Can I pop the champagne now? I really, really want to celebrate! Why?

Cos Mr PM is officially getting my No-Balls Please Piss-off Prize.