Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz today defended the attorney-general's decision to close the files on Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharom, Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan and former Anti-Corruption Agency director-general Zulkipli Md Noor.

The trio were accused of corruption and abuse of power.

Nazri was responding to Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang who asked for an explanation as to why the files were closed.

"The decision made by the AG to not charge the three was based on given facts and evidence which showed no cases of wrongdoing," he said in a parliamentary written reply.

"The government is still serious in it's fight to curb graft and corruption. The ACA will continue to investigate without favoring any parties and without fear of favor. Legal action will be taken against any individual based on valid evidence," he said.

Lim had asked for answers, saying that the issue had raised questions regarding Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's commitment to eradicate corruption.

IPCMC being discussed

Johari was accused of receiving RM5.5 million to free three people being held under the Emergency Ordinance (EO) while Musa was accused of receiving RM2 million to release two EO detainees.

Zulkipli became the subject of an investigation when a former top ACA official accused him of among others, amassing wealth way beyond his means. All three had denied the charges.

Meanwhile, Nazri, in response to another question from Lim, said that internal discussions are still being carried out on the proposed formation of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

Previously, it was said that the proposal, which has been lauded by human rights organisations and several political parties, is being studied by Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail.