No interference in the right of legal representation, says MACC

The MACC has denied interfering with the public right to legal representation by apprehending two lawyers over the course of investigating an embezzlement case.

Without naming names, it said those detained during the operation on June 4 were among the “prime suspects” in the case.

“Those suspected to be involved were arrested and remanded for the purpose of the investigation because they were among the prime suspects.

“The focus of the investigation is under the MACC Act 2009 and breach of trust and is not meant to obtain information from the client (of the lawyers).

“As such, the issue of law enforcers interfering or intending to prevent the public from seeking legal representation, as alleged by Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), does not arise,” the commission said in a statement today.

Earlier today, LFL held a press conference condemning the MACC for investigating lawyer Irwin Lo and detaining another lawyer Lai Chee Hoe from June 4 to 6. Both lawyers were acting for a client in a property dispute.

LFL director Zaid Malek said in doing so, the MACC infringed on a legal professional’s right to act for a client and disrupted a member of the public’s right to engage a counsel of their choice.

Meanwhile, the MACC said it has the responsibility to explain the truth and refute allegations of “those being investigated”.

Commenting on the case, it said it was acting on a report received in late May from residents in an area in Damansara, Selangor, who suspected their joint management committee (JMC)’s management and maintenance fee collections had been embezzled.

“Preliminary investigations found there is basis to believe the incident has occurred, based on reports on the JMC’s legal costs that was not fully declared,” it said.

Respect legal privilege, right to representation, Bar tells MACC

LFL condemns MACC's intimidation, arrest of 2 lawyers in property dispute