A lawyer who appeared for Dr Mahathir Mohamad in several cases has questioned the wisdom and rationale for the MACC in accepting RM5 million for its Yayasan Prihatin when investigations into 1MDB have yet to be completed.

Mohd Haniff Khatri Abdulla said under Section 3 of the MACC Act 2009, "suapan" (gratification) is defined as giving money, donation, fee or presents or assets and others in order to achieve or do something.

Haniff said that there have been many times that various parties, including the MACC itself and attorney-general Mohd Apandi Ali, have said that the investigation papers on 1MDB and the allegations against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak are in the process of scrutinisation by the Attorney-General's Chambers. 

"Hence, what is the need to gift RM5 million to a public body like MACC's welfare body immediately, when it is more proper to allocate funds through Budget 2018, which would be the proper way to do.

"Isn't this gift and announcement a form of gratification by Najib's government to MACC to safeguard his interests and the government’s name when there are on-going investigations?" he asked.

The lawyer also pointed to Section 17 of the MACC Act 2009, whereby giving or agreeing to give gratification in relation to your principal task or job is considered an offence.

“What it means is that whoever gives or promises to give any gratification is considered (to have committed) an offence under the MACC Act 2009,” he said.

Last weekend, when celebrating MACC's 50th anniversary, Najib announced RM5 million to be given to the commission's Yayasan Prihatin.

In his speech, Najib said he knew how MACC officers had worked “day and night” in their fight against corruption and that the money was given for their welfare as a form of moral support.

"This issue (corruption) is a threat to the country, a threat to our civilisation, the society, and the country's future.

"When we fight corruption and abuse of power, InsyaAllah, the country will be more successful, respected and in the forefront in line with Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50),” the PM had said.

Haniff also questioned the alleged offer of a scholarship and a bribe to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth chief Syed Saddiq, in order for him to go against Mahathir, which he said was another form of inducement for corruption.

He said it is common knowledge that Syed Saddiq (photo) is Bersatu's Youth chief, and a young leader able to influence society.

“Isn't the offering of scholarship or money or grants is a form of corruption? It is as if gratification or corruption is more routine now and has swept through the country. Has it become a new form of administration in the country nowadays? ” he asked.

Syed Saddiq claimed yesterday that he was promised RM5 million in cash and grants to set up debate schools in all states if he were to take up a scholarship offer to pursue a Master’s degree at Oxford University and hold a press conference.