In recent developments, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced plans to summon four Members of Parliament (MPs) affiliated with Perikatan Nasional (PN) who have pledged support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This move comes amid allegations of corruption linked to their switch in political allegiance.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that the commission is set to launch a thorough investigation following a police report lodged against the MPs. Addressing reporters at the World Anti-Corruption Conference 2023 in Jakarta, Azam emphasized the need for an open and comprehensive inquiry into the reported corruption elements surrounding the MPs' support shift.
The police report, filed last Monday, prompted the referral of the matter to MACC for further investigation. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had previously stated that both the police and MACC were prepared to conduct a professional and unbiased inquiry into the alleged enticements, bribes, and threats associated with the support changes among several PN MPs.
The four MPs in question—Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), and Zahari Kechik (Jeli)—had previously declared their intention to support Anwar, sparking the investigation into potential corrupt practices related to their decision.
Simultaneously, Azam assured the public of an upcoming interim report regarding the investigation into Aman Palestin Bhd, a case involving alleged irregularities in fundraising for Palestinian aid. The MACC chief stressed the importance of transparency, noting that the interim report would shed light on the ongoing inquiry and be made public in the following week.
He further disclosed that seven witnesses had been summoned to provide statements, while MACC's forensic experts were meticulously scrutinizing documents obtained from Aman Palestin Bhd spanning from 2020 to 2022.
Responding to allegations of government influence over MACC, Azam firmly dismissed such claims as groundless. Citing the ongoing case involving Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, Muar MP, Azam pointed out that MACC’s actions and decisions were not swayed by external forces, highlighting the agency's independence and commitment to upholding justice.
In a separate incident, MACC recently filed a police report over a social media video containing alleged false accusations made by a politician during the launch of the party’s machinery for the Kemaman parliamentary by-election. The video, posted on TikTok, involved Terengganu Bersatu chief Datuk Razali Idris, who questioned the autonomy of government institutions, including MACC and the judiciary.
Razali’s remarks challenged the High Court's decision regarding former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq’s conviction on charges of abetting criminal breach of trust and money laundering concerning Armada funds. MACC’s response through a police report demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its investigations and defending its impartial stance against undue political influence.
The series of investigations undertaken by MACC reflect a staunch dedication to upholding transparency, addressing corruption allegations, and ensuring the autonomy of crucial institutions within the country’s political landscape. These actions emphasize the commitment to justice and integrity in the face of complex political and legal challenges.
Reference: MACC to summon four Perikatan MPs who pledged support for PM Anwar, says Azam Baki | Malay Mail
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