MACC yet to probe graft allegations against Afdlin Shauki

Summary

• MACC has yet to investigate corruption allegations against a member of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) advisory board, actor-turned-politician Afdlin Shauki.

• MACC chief Azam Baki says DBKL is currently conducting an internal probe but the anti-graft commission has officers participating in the investigation and have access to internal documents.

• Afdlin has been accused of securing multi-million ringgit contracts without going through due process, which he denies.

MACC has yet to open an investigation paper regarding allegations of misconduct involving a member of Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) advisory board, who has been linked to the awarding of an RM4 million project.

Its chief Azam Baki stated that instead, the anti-corruption agency is currently reviewing documents submitted for DBKL’s internal investigation.

“To clarify, DBKL has taken internal action based on information they received from social media. I have received confirmation regarding this matter.

“For everyone’s information, in cases like this, the MACC does not act based solely on information. Previously, no verification was carried out by the MACC because we were unaware of the matter.

“That is why I believe the MACC has not yet opened an investigation paper, as we do not have a full picture of the issue,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

‘MACC cannot act without verification’

Azam stated that the MACC is allowing DBKL to carry out its internal investigation, as the agency cannot act solely on publicly available information.

“Not all cases can proceed based purely on publicly accessible information, whether from social media or mainstream sources.

“Taking immediate action without proper verification could lead to assumptions or even result in individuals being victimised.

“The MACC officers stationed in DBKL’s integrity unit are part of the investigation team.

“Through them, we have access to internal documents. The MACC is currently reviewing these documents from both a criminal and governance perspective,” he said.

Previously, actor-turned-politician Afdlin Shauki denied allegations of misconduct against him, which were raised by the Telegram account Edisi Siasat. The account accused him of securing multi-million ringgit DBKL contracts without following due process.

The PKR man described the allegations as an attempt by irresponsible parties to tarnish his reputation, motivated by jealousy and resentment.

Last week, Edisi Siasat published a message accusing Afdlin of wrongdoings in the procurement of several DBKL projects involving creative works.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Mohd Sharif was reported to have confirmed that DBKL had launched an internal investigation following the allegations.

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