'Perception': Sabah Bersatu leader urges disclosure of Farhash probe

Sabah Bersatu young women’s wing chief Nabila Norsahar has urged the MACC to publish a detailed account of its findings on businessperson Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak.

She stressed that perception is crucial, especially since Farhash is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide.

“Why was (MACC chief commissioner) Azam (Baki) so swift to publicly exonerate an individual who is widely known to be a political insider and close associate of the prime minister?

“Why is Farhash accorded the privilege of a public exoneration, when the same courtesy is not extended to others under investigation?” she asked in a statement.

Nabila warned that Azam’s announcement risks cementing the belief that MACC applies “two sets of rules: one for the politically connected, another for ordinary Malaysians”.

“To dispel any perception of selective treatment or preferential consideration, it is essential that the MACC demonstrates that this investigation was conducted with the same rigour as any other.

“MACC is urged to publish a more detailed account of its findings, including the complainant, the list of parties investigated, and the reasons no charges could be pursued. Only through such openness can public confidence in the impartiality of the institution be strengthened,” she added.

On a sardonic note, Nabila praised the commission for its “lightning quick” efficiency in clearing Farhash.

“Pity that the same brilliance seems to vanish when it comes to investigating the Sabah mining scandal involving eight assemblypersons,” she quipped.

AGC finds no basis for charges

Farhash has been cleared of alleged links to the scandal, after investigations confirmed that no exploration licence was issued to his company.

On Tuesday, Azam announced that investigation papers were submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which found no basis for charges.

“We have called all the parties involved... Ultimately, the deputy public prosecutor decided that no criminal charges could be brought against any party, whether under the MACC Act, the Penal Code, or any other law.

“There is also no governance issue. This case has already been closed,” he said.

Azam explained that a company linked to Farhash had applied for a mineral exploration licence in March 2023 but failed to provide the required documents.

“Therefore, in reality, no exploration was ever carried out because the documents were not supplied,” he said, adding that the application was terminated in March this year.

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