The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not dismiss the possibility of facing constraints in its investigations following a new directive confining interrogation of witnesses to office hours.

NONE Its investigation division director Shukri Abdull said he had issued the directive himself to all MACC offices for their interrogation of witnesses to be confined to the working hours of 8.30am to 5.30pm.

He was met by reporters after attending the closing of a basic course for 127 MACC officers officiated by MACC chief commissioner Ahmad Said Hamdan at a resort, here, today.

Shukri was asked to comment on media reports that effective last Thursday, the MACC was not allowed to investigate witnesses after office hours unlike previously.

This followed the historic judgment of Kuala Lumpur High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof which ruled that detaining a witness for interrogation beyond office hours was wrongful detention under the law.

Shukri said they would wait for three months to see the effects of the new directive on the MACC's investigation process.

"However, I understand that the attorney-general will appeal against the High Court's decision."

Reports will still be received after 5.30pm

Shukri said the MACC would continue to receive reports or complaints from the public after office hours, that is, after 5.30pm.

"Previously, we had been working round the clock, including interrogating witnesses and taking down their statements; 90 percent of our work involve witnesses," he added.

On the investigation into alleged misappropriation and abuse of power by Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated (PMBK) chief executive officer Abdul Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman, Shukri said the MACC was in the final stage of the investigation and the papers would be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor soon.

He said the investigation went ahead despite Ariffahmi, the son-in-law of Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, having resigned from his post in PMBK two days ago. - Bernama