Pejuang: Where is MACC's enthusiasm when cases involve PM's people?

Summary

• Pejuang info chief questions MACC's impartiality when investigating cases involving politicians aligned to the PM.

• Rafique also demands MACC give an update on Zahid’s DNAA.

Pejuang has questioned the MACC's claim of being impartial, comparing how the agency has treated cases that involve politicians who support Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and those who don't.

In a statement, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali pointed to MACC investigations against former premier Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which he said reek of double standards.

"Fighting corruption and abuse of power is a noble cause. But it is no good if MACC is seen actively investigating cases that involve individuals who are 'against' the prime minister.

“On the other hand, there is a different standard for those who are 'with' the prime minister,” he said.

Rafique said Ismail Sabri had been investigated in the Keluarga Malaysia probe since early 2024, but the issue went quiet until new rumours about plans to change the government surfaced on social media.

He noted that Ismail Sabri had been critical of the government on the issue of electricity tariffs.

No update on Zahid’s case

He contrasted this with Zahid - whom the courts found a prima facie cast against in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case and was called to enter defence before the prosecution applied for a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) in September 2023.

"What has MACC been investigating (in the Zahid case) for 17 months now? Why has there been no update or news on this?" Rafique asked.

On Monday, MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed to the media that Ismail Sabri was a suspect in its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving government spending on Keluarga Malaysia programme.

In the same press conference, the MACC displayed bundles of cash and 16 gold bars worth over RM177 million they seized from a safehouse supposedly linked to an aide to the Bera MP.

Azam denied that the anti-graft agency was politically motivated in its actions.

Double standards?

In response to this, Rafique listed several other cases involving politicians that are aligned to Anwar still unsolved.

"Where has all MACC's bravery gone when investigating Anwar's former political secretary in the RM1 billion HeiTech Padu case?

“Where was Azam’s enthusiasm when it came to the viral video and audio clips implicating Sabah assemblypersons?

"Why has there been no investigation and press conference held on the RM10 million scandal at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, which involves a member of the prime minister's party?

"Has MACC forgotten about the RM97 million scandal implicating a former minister from a government party? And what happens to the cases against six MPs who shifted their support to the prime minister?" he said.

Commenting further, Rafique claimed that MACC had been practising double standards as a tool to threaten those who try to go against the premier.

He said MACC would always be seen as a political tool until it is parked under Parliament, where the agency can be scrutinised transparently.

Anwar must answer for dropping 1MDB lawsuit against Riza, says activist

PM's 'war on graft' just theatrics: Ex-MACC chief

Azam lauds PM's clear vision in eradicating graft

COMMENT | Are we seeing dilution of prosecutorial system in M'sia?

PSM: Zahid's 'second jackpot' - another day at the office