KUALA LUMPUR: A senior Malaysian lawmaker has called upon the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Datuk Seri Khalid Ismail to clarify the status of investigations into “corporate mafia” activities allegedly involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officials.
Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo said it has been nearly two months since the Cabinet expressed concern and called for a full investigation into the matter.
“Transparency is paramount. The IGP must, for starters, state clearly whether those cited in the reports have been questioned, and outline the subsequent steps to be taken,” said Gobind, who is also the Digital Minister and the national DAP chairman.
“Given the specific allegations involving named companies and individuals, the probe must be exhaustive, extending to every person, entity, and MACC officer implicated in the complaints.
“This is a matter of significant public interest, as the integrity of our markets and national institutions is at stake.”
Gobind added that such serious allegations cannot be left unchecked and must be resolved strictly in accordance with the law.
“It is important to also note that the Cabinet did not limit the probe to the police alone. It would therefore also be apt for the Securities Commission to state what steps it has taken to address this matter.
“If there is market manipulation involved, and this through the use of force or any other measures to transfer shares in any company, then the Securities Commission would also have jurisdiction over the matter.
“They (Securities Commission) must tell us if they have looked at this aspect of the case and whether any action will be taken against anyone who is found to have committed offences or abetted any offences in the matter, and if so, when.”
Claims of MACC’s personnel being involved in ‘corporate mafia’ were first reported by Bloomberg in February. The report alleged that certain MACC divisions were assisting rogue businessmen by conducting raids and investigations to pressure company executives into selling their shares.
Outgoing MACC chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, however, denied allegations that the agency’s officials are part of a “corporate mafia”, calling the claims unfounded. Former High Court judge Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman will replace Azam as the Chief Commissioner, effective May 13.