Although the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) takes a serious view of the letter containing grave allegations against it that appeared in cyberspace, it will launch its own probe only if necessary.

Its deputy chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed, admitted that he himself had not read the letter as his officers had informed him of its existence only yesterday.

However, he said since the organisation is concerned about its officers,"we take all the allegations (in the letter) seriously. I have yet to read the letter but maybe my officers can investigate and issue a statement," he told reporters today.

NONE Despite speculation that suggested that the letter is the same as what had surfaced at DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock's coroner's inquiry two days ago it still has to be confirmed, added Abu Kassim ( left ).

"What I need to clarify here is, we still do not know whether the letter published over the Internet is similar to that the one that emerged at the inquest," he said.

If that is so, he added, it would be better for the police to investigate and let them come up with the findings.

"Besides, my officers who saw the letter told me the allegations in the letter were not true...but I have yet to read it," he said.

Letter links top officers

The mystery letter that had initially emerged at Teoh's inquest two days ago is believed to contain claims linking a top ranking MACC officer with the interrogation of the political aide, which could have led to his death.

Believed to be written by an MACC insider, it alleged how the top officer and an influential politician had worked together to start investigations into alleged corrupt practices by Selangor's Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

The unsigned letter also mentioned the top officer's modus of interrogation - pulling suspects by the belt. It further alleged that this officer was questioning Teoh on the day the he was found dead.

Teoh's body was found with the belt snapped, at the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam on July 16, a day after he was summoned by the MACC to be questioned about alleged misappropriation of state allocation funds. He was questioned at the 14th floor.

The inquest is being held to determine how he died. It will continue on Monday pending the investigation into the letter.

Criticisms norm for MACC

Addressing a conference on the strategic management of anti-corruption programme , Abu Kassim pointed out that it is the norm for an enforcement agency like MACC to be criticised when carrying out their duties.

"Every time we investigate a particular person for alleged corruption, there will be slander or criticisms against the enforcement agency.

"They would also say that we are biased and making them the victims of conspiracy," said Abu Kassim, adding that they were just doing their job according to the law.

Participants from 21 countries attended the anti-corruption course that ended today.

MACC has been under heavy pressure from many quarters, especially the Opposition when it came under continuous investigation for alleged corruption involving Selangor state funds.