The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today announced that no further prosecution would be taken in eight high-profile cases involving both Pakatan Rakyat and BN politicians.

Among those dropped include the allegation against the Menteri Besar of Selangor Selangor Khalid Ibrahim for misusing RM110,400 of state funds for the purchase of cattle for his Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the Hari Raya Korban celebrations.

However, Khalid still faces another MACC charge accusing him of using public funds to maintain his private car, a Lexus.

"Findings of the probe on the Lexus have been submitted to the AG's (Attorney-General) office and no decision has been made on the matter yet," said MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Mohd Shukri Abdull.

Also dropped was the charge against Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam for allegedly throwing  pre-party election dinners for Umno delegates last year.

The commission also dropped a charge against Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department T Murugiah over a corruption allegation which surfaced during PPP’s party polls and internal turmoil last year.

NONE Mohd Shukri ( photo ) made the announcement during a press conference at his office in Putrajaya today.

He said that the body was instructed by the Attorney-General's Chamber to drop the charges.

"Although up to 90 percent of MACC's investigations standards were adhered to, these cases could not be charged in court as they are 'weak' cases," he explained.

The other alleged corruption cases dropped include:

  • ousted Pakatan Rakyat Perak speaker V Sivakumar case for abuse of power during the state's political turmoil.
  • misappropriation of funds by DAP's Jawi state assemblyperson Tan Beng Huat (involving the buying of electrical goods for two organisations in his constituency).
  • former Penang deputy chief minister Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin's alleged corruption involving licensing for quarries .

However, Mohd Shukri warned that the cases could be re-opened if new evidence is found and he urged witnesses to come forward.

"We investigated the cases based on the evidence that we have obtained, and from witnesses' statement as well as documents," he added.

He also said that MACC's legal department had explained in detail regarding its decision to drop the eight cases to the commission's operations panel.

Case against Azalina still pending

The seven-member advisory panel, according to him, was satisfied with the commission's explanation.

Mohd Shukri also revealed that MACC has completed its probe on the Middle Ring Road 2 scandal and graft allegations against former Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said.

"Findings have been submitted to the AG's Chambers and we are leaving it to them to decide on the next course of action," he said.

Mohd Shukri told reporters that this is in line with MACC's effort to "sincerely prove to the public that they are taking action".

"As promised, MACC will reveal the status of its probe on high-profile cases involving public interest," he said.

He however did not mention about a number of cases against former Selangor MB Mohd Khir Toyo.

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