Maszlee refutes graft allegations, calls it character assassination

SHAH ALAM - Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik has vehemently denied allegations that he was involved in corruption and misappropriation of funds.

He described the allegations as an attempt at character assassination against him which was brought up by certain parties ahead of the Johor state election.

“I strongly deny this false and slanderous statement.

“This is an attempt to assassinate my character with bad intent (mala fide) by certain parties, ahead of the Johor state elections and my commitment to issues pertaining to education,” he said in a statement.

He said he welcomes any investigations against him as he has nothing to hide.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said it was probing Maszlee after receiving two reports against the former Education Minister.

“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.

The anti-graft agency had also in the statement denied allegations made by Maszlee that it had intimidated several of his officers at his service centre in Simpang Renggam.

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

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.