MACC calls Rafizi's allegations 'baseless and untrue'

MACC has denied former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s allegations that the commission had been used to probe candidates who were not aligned with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his daughter Nurul Izzah during the party polls in May.

Describing the allegations as “baseless and untrue”, MACC emphasised that investigations are conducted solely based on complaints or information received.

“Every complaint with merit undergoes verification and investigation in accordance with the law and established procedures,” the commission said in a statement.

MACC also rejected claims that it had “surrounded” the house of a PKR candidate aligned with Rafizi, clarifying that investigating officers had gone to the residence to meet the individual and conduct a search to obtain evidence.

“This is a standard investigative method, including an element of surprise to prevent the risk of evidence being destroyed. After confirming that the individual was not at home at that time, the officers left.

“The following day, the individual voluntarily attended the MACC office, his statement was recorded, and he was released without detention. All actions were in accordance with investigative requirements and procedures,” the anti-graft agency said.

Lodge proper complaint

MACC also stressed that dissatisfied parties could lodge complaints through official channels, such as the police or the complaints committee.

“In this regard, MACC calls on all parties not to make baseless accusations publicly on social media without evidence, as it can undermine public confidence in the country’s enforcement institutions,” it said.

Rafizi, who lost his PKR deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah, cited an alleged incident during the party polls in which a candidate aligned with him was detained and investigated by MACC over the cash purchase of an auctioned house.

He claimed that the individual - whom he did not name - had his home surrounded by MACC officers, leaving the man’s wife and children terrified.

Rafizi has also been critical of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, whose contract had been extended three times under Anwar despite Pakatan Harapan being critical of him when it was in opposition.

Both MACC and Azam have faced a crisis of confidence, with critics questioning the commission’s independence and impartiality.

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