Why replace MACC's top prosecutor, Pejuang asks AG

Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali has urged Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar to explain the sudden transfer of MACC senior deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin.

According to a circular dated Feb 24, Wan Shaharuddin (above, right), who is the MACC Legal and Prosecution Division director, will assume the post of deputy head II at the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) Prosecution and Appeals Division on a “floating” basis.

Rafique questioned the need for the move at a time when the integrity of the MACC and its chief commissioner, Azam Baki, is under intense public scrutiny - a period he described as the agency’s lowest point in the eyes of the public.

“Wan Shaharuddin has proven to have extensive experience in prosecution. He has led high-profile cases and is respected by both colleagues and opponents.

“His efficiency and skill in handling various corruption prosecutions in court are, I believe, second to none.

“The honourable attorney-general must explain this matter. The AGC’s Prosecution and Appeals Division already has many officers. To me, it is surplus to requirement,” he said in a statement today.

‘Floating’ position

Elaborating, Rafique said that while transfers of position fall under the AG’s discretion, MACC needs credible officers to maintain public confidence in the anti-graft commission.

“At this time, the MACC needs officers who are committed to the rule of law and the sovereignty of the law.

“Yes, the discretion lies with the AG regarding transfers, but the MACC must have credible officers so that the public can continue to trust this agency.

“A transfer of this nature requires an explanation!” he added.

Distinguished track record

Wan Shaharuddin has played a key role in several high-impact prosecutions involving the nation’s political elites.

Among the major cases in his portfolio are the Penang undersea tunnel case involving former chief minister Lim Guan Eng, Muhyiddin Yassin’s Jana Wibawa case, as well as Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s corruption case.

Wan Shaharuddin’s team had succeeded in getting Syed Saddiq convicted at the High Court, although the Court of Appeal subsequently overturned the ruling. The case is now at the Federal Court.

Most recently, on Jan 22, Wan Shaharuddin led the prosecution team in the case involving former armed forces chief Hafizuddeain Jantan, who was charged with receiving RM2.1 million in kickbacks from illegal activities.

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