MACC denies intimidation, now probing Maszlee

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik, who recently accused the commission’s officers of intimidation.

The commission denied allegations by the former Education Minister, adding that they had received two complaints against him.

“According to the law, investigation processes must be carried out once we have received an official complaint regarding bribery offences and the misuse of funds.

“Each investigation was conducted in accordance with the standard operating procedure by interviewing several witnesses involved.

“MACC will not bow down to pressure from any parties trying to divert from the matter at hand,” the commission said in a statement today.

The commission said investigations will be based on the principles of transparency, fairness and professionalism as well as in accordance with the law.

“Therefore, the MACC hopes that the parties involved give full cooperation and stop sensationalizing this investigation process,” it added.

Yesterday, Maszlee claimed that MACC officials had intimidated several of his officers at his service centre in Simpang Renggam when they dropped by the centre and questioned his officers on the activities organised in the constituency.

He was quoted saying that the MACC officials were trying to dig for possible mistakes that may be found in my welfare and educational activities in his constituency.

He spoke to the press yesterday outside the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

He alleged that the MACC’s actions were related to his support for calls urging the investigation of MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Maszlee was called in for questioning by the police over a demonstration outside the Parliament building on Jan 20.

The demonstration was organised by PKR-led youth groups which saw the handing over of a memorandum to the government to save MACC following the stock ownership controversy surrounding its chief.

Several other opposition lawmakers also attended the event.