MP to govt: Where is committee to investigate MACC officers?

PARLIAMENT | Gobind Singh Deo (Pakatan Harapan-Damansara) has once again questioned when a committee will be formed to investigate MACC officers who are accused of misconduct.

When debating the Supply Bill 2024 at the committee stage, Gobind questioned the reason behind funds allocated to the anti-graft commission for next year.

“Until now, we have not heard of what action can be taken (once a MACC officer is accused).

“The fund allocations (in the 2024 Budget) have no mention of funds specifically for a complaints committee.

“I would like to know, what is the reason behind the allocation - is it to set up a complaints committee?” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Gobind also called on the government to detail how many complaints have been lodged against MACC officers and what kind of action has been taken by the commission as a result of those claims.

“There cannot be a situation where a complaint is brought up but there is no action taken and no existing mechanisms for the allegations to be investigated.

“If we are channelling funds to the MACC, we should refer to our goals - one of which involves a committee to monitor (the agency).

“There are so many police reports made where action is taken by the police but no further action beyond that,” he added.

Intimidation and blackmail

On Oct 13, Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin alleged that Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid was "intimidated and blackmailed" by a MACC officer into supporting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership or risk facing corruption charges.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki denied the allegation, and the police said no report was made on the matter.

Hamzah later said the coalition was gathering evidence to back their claims before filing a police report.

Gobind previously said that claims of intimidation by MACC officers were made even during the PN administration.

“During the PN administration, we heard of these issues, and now with this government, we hear the same claims,” he said.

He then proposed calling Iskandar to explain the situation in Parliament, citing Section 4 of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 which grants the house powers for enquiring into, judging and pronouncing upon the commission of any acts punishable as contempt.

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