Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today questioned the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over its inconsistency pertaining to investigations.

lim guan eng interview pakatan one year of administration 050309 03 While MACC has been steadfast in investigating graft allegations against elected representatives from Pakatan Rakyat, he said the commission appeared to be slow in doing the same when it comes to BN leaders.

He pointed out that MACC has yet to open its investigation papers on Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam even though his own party Umno had tainted him with allegations of money politics.

"Money politics and unethical political practices definitely amount to corruption. Why has MACC not investigated the Malacca chief minister for graft charges when his own party said so?

"He should be probed along with other Umno leaders who allegedly practiced money politics," added the DAP secretary-general.

He pointed out that MACC was quick to probe a graft allegation raised against his former Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin.

Illegal quarry operations

mohammad fairus penang deputy cm deny resign 160708 01 Fairus is being investigated for alleged involvement in illegal quarry operations in Penang mainland and receiving RM10,000 from a quarry contractor as a sponsor for his trip to London last June.

He had accompanied Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P Ramasamy to the Club de Madrid international conference in the United Kingdom. The Madrid club is an international organisation for all former ministers of governments across the globe.

The MACC probe was carried out following a report lodged by Kepala Batas PKR Youth chief Amizudin Ahmat alleging that a high-profile Penang PKR leader had accepted bribes from quarry companies in Seberang Perai.

Besides Fairus, Lim, Ramasamy and state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh have all given their statements to MACC on the case.

"It gives an impression of double standards and selective investigations. It definitely raises questions on MACC's independence," Lim told a press conference in George Town.

Lim said he found it difficult to chew the reasons behind MACC's lukewarm response to graft allegations against BN leaders and its prompt action to close the file on such investigations.

"I cannot understand how MACC can conclude a graft allegation as a no case without even carrying out an investigation," he said.

Veteran parliamentarian Karpal Singh has already called on newly sworn-in Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to order the MACC to probe those implicated in vote-buying in Umno polls.

During the recent Bukit Selambau by-election campaign, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim questioned the legitimacy and morality of Mohd Ali's position as chief minister given that he was found guilty of graft charges by Umno.