MACC denies receiving 'instructions' on graft probes

The MACC has denied a media report that quoted sources who claimed the graft-buster was “instructed” not to investigate an individual overpurchase of a company’s share.

The MACC did not mention any names but made clear references to online portal MalaysiaNow’s report that quoted from an original article by Bloomberg.

“The MACC would like to deny the reported claims that it has received instructions from certain parties not to investigate a certain individual involved in the purchase of a company’s share.

“All enforcement action taken by the commission is done without fear or favour; with no interference from any party; fair and without prejudice in all situations based on principles of the law,” said the MACC in a statement.

According to sources quoted by Bloomberg, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had allegedly instructed MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki not to investigate his former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador over the purchase of shares in a company linked to the development of a new billion-ringgit immigration system.

‘Wild and irresponsible’

Further, the sources claimed Anwar and Azam had reached an understanding that the latter would have his term extended as MACC chief commissioner in return for taking action against Anwar’s opponents - former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Mahathir’s sons, and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.

“The MACC is confident that the matter is a wild and irresponsible claim, raised to create a negative perception towards the commission.

“The MACC does not open investigation papers without facts and evidence. Each investigation carried out follows a standard operating procedure based on the law, and is monitored by five oversight bodies,” said MACC.

“The MACC will also not yield to pressure by any party to deviate attention from ongoing cases under investigations, through such made-up claims,” it added.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also denied claims that Anwar had issued instructions to Azam and MACC.

“The PMO affirms that the prime minister has never issued directives or interfered in investigations conducted by the MACC.

“The MACC operates as an independent body, acting on the basis of complaints received,” Bloomberg quoted the PMO.

Despite PMO’s denial, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari last night challenged Anwar to take legal action against the international news agency if the report was false.

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