Opposition denounces transfer of graftbusters
Criticisms are mounting against the sudden transfer of two senior Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers involved in the SRC International Sdn Bhd probe.
Opposition politicians have been very quick to denounce the shocking reassignment for MACC special operations division director Bahri Mohamad Zin ( photo ) and strategic communications director Rohaizad Yaakob to the Prime Minister’s Department this evening, with immediate effect.
Calling for an immediate explanation from the authorities, Opposition leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said it was important to address the perception of political interference and punitive measures and the transfer being seen as a warning to other MACC officers.
"Due to the unceasing interference on the work of MACC and threats against its officers, I have directed PKR members to make police reports as well as hold gatherings in support of MACC at their offices nationwide," said Wan Azizah.
Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar claimed the transfer is an evil action that disturbs and disrupts the MACC's investigation on SRC International and RM 2.6 billion “donation” to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's private bank accounts.
The SRC International probe concerns the RM4 billion loan from the government pension fund (KWAP) to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the subsequent transfer of RM42 million into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank accounts.
Mahfuz said the move contradicts Section 48 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 186 of Penal Code for disrupting civil servant's work.
"In this, I call on the Attorney-General (AG) to prosecute every single one of those involved, including the perpetrators who try to disrupt MACC investigations.
“Only this way, the new AG could prove that his appointment to replace (former AG Abdul) Gani Patail is not merely as a tool for the PM," he said in a statement tonight.
The pair’s transfer, according to a source, is over “disciplinary issues”. However, there has been no official confirmation on the transfer.
MACC urged not to bow to pressure
Mahfuz said that the MACC is backed by all Malaysian citizens who want to see closure on issues such as the 1MDB and massive transfers of funds to private accounts.
"I and other Malaysians pray that the MACC and its staff will be given strength by God in these trying times," he said.
Meanwhile, Rasah MP Teo Kok Seong saw the transfer as a way to intimidate and warn all the government officers involved in the 1MDB scandal investigations.
Teo, who is also DAP Youth chief, called all the civil servants not to bow down to these "disturbances" and "pressures" and keep investigating the related cases responsibly for the people of Malaysia.
"The Prime Minister can no longer keep silent and have to explain to all Malaysians why officers involved in the 1MDB scandal investigations are being disturbed. Don't make the MACC officers as prey just for doing their job," said Teoh.
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