Embattled Anti-Corruption Agency director-general Zulkipli Mat Noor today said that he is confident in facing the current crisis because of his faith in God.

"I have the confidence and courage to confront this problem because I believe in God. Only the guilty have to be afraid," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Zulkipli, who has been accused of corruption, a sexual crime and assault, said he is willing to explain to the prime minister if ordered to do so.

He is also willing to provide a detailed explanation to the parliamentary select committee on integrity on March 12.

"I do not want to get emotional about this. I am carrying out my daily duties as usual and holding daily meetings with my staff," he said.

The former high-ranking police officer, who was appointed to helm the ACA in 2001, also asked all quarters to stop speculating on the allegations against him.

Zulkipli previously denied the allegations and said that he was vetted and cleared by the police and ACA prior to his appointment.

Sexual crime

The allegations were contained in a report last year by former Sabah ACA chief Mohamad Ramli Manan to the then inspector-general of police Mohd Bakri Omar.

The document, which was exposed by an anti-corruption watchdog on Monday, was also sent to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the attorney-general, auditor-general and civil service director-general.

Zulkipli, who has since denied the allegations, was accused of amassing properties and wealth beyond his means. He was also said to have numerous business interests.

Apart from this, the report also revealed that a woman had filed several police reports against him in 1997 for an alleged sexual crime and assault.

It was also alleged that he had interfered in the course of the police investigation wherein witnesses were threatened not to cooperate.

However, attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail said yesterday that police investigations in 1997 found no grounds for prosecution.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan told malaysiakini today that the police are looking into the records of Zulkipli's assets declaration.

PM's decision

In a related development, Deputy Internal Security Minister Fu Ah Kiow said the prime minister - who is currently overseas on an official visit - has been informed of the controversy.

According to the minister, Abdullah viewed the matter seriously.

Fu said his ministry has been briefed on the matter by Musa as well as the Attorney-General's Chambers and any decision to suspend or dismiss Zulkipli depends on the outcome of the investigation and decision by the AG's Chambers.

According to him, whatever decisions concerning Zulkipli is in the hands of the prime minister, who is responsible for the ACA.

Abdullah, who is currently in Yemen, has yet to comment on the issue while Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, has not responded as well