The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) will be strengthened and converted into the long-awaited Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

This was announced by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at a press conference today after a meeting of the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption in Putrajaya.

Also present were the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) head Abu Kassim Mohamed and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"IPCMC will be an independent body which is more holistic," Mahathir said.

It is learnt that the decision to convert the EAIC into IPICMC was taken after it was found that the bulk of public complaints lodged with the EAIC concerned police misconduct.

The decision was among seven papers discussed at the meeting today, which will be brought to Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Public Complaints Bureau (BPA) will function as the Malaysian Ombudsman.

An Ombudsman Act will also be formulated so that public complaints can be managed more effectively.

"The ombudsman's scope of work is limited to ensuring that government agencies do not deviate or get involved in corruption.

"The public can first ask for rectification from the respective agency. If that fails, they can approach the ombudsman," said Mahathir.

He stressed that the body will be independent and not under the purview of the prime minister or any other minister.