MACC cannot investigate itself; RCI needed over 'corporate mafia' claims - Gobind

PUTRAJAYA - DAP is pushing ahead with its call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe the ‘corporate mafia’ allegations made against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recently.

In a statement today, the party’s national chairman, Gobind Singh Deo said although the MACC had dismissed the claims as baseless and originating from an anonymous blog, a bare denial was insufficient given the gravity of the allegations.

"While the MACC has dismissed these claims as baseless and originating from an anonymous blog, and they have every right to do so, a mere denial on their part alone is insufficient. It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case.

"When the integrity of our premier anti-graft agency is questioned, a self-issued clearance does not measure up. It in itself, without more, does little to restore public or investor confidence," he said.

Gobind, who is also the Digital Minister, added that DAP is of the view that there is sufficient basis in the allegations for an inquiry to commence, thus warranting the formation of an RCI as it would be equipped with the necessary statutory powers to conduct a proper and meaningful probe.

Gobind said the allegations had attracted widespread attention at home and abroad, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action.

"This is not about looking for fault or blame on the part of anyone, but rather to reaffirm that the MACC remains beyond suspicion and clear of any allegations which impact upon its integrity or credibility.

"This is also not about undermining the MACC but rather strengthening it instead, making it clear that all agencies entrusted with powers of investigations and enforcement in this country are always subject to inquiry and the rule of law," he emphasised.

The ‘corporate mafia’ allegations revolve around claims that senior MACC officials orchestrated a campaign of intimidation, pressuring executives and shareholders of publicly listed companies to resign or sell their shares at steep discounts to a network of connected businessmen.

In a statement yesterday, MACC denied such claims and described it as an attempt to tarnish the credibility of investigations and enforcement actions against certain parties in the corporate sector.

The anti-graft body stressed that the allegations were unfounded and are believed to have originated from an online blog with no identifiable owner, author or clear accountability.

The government formed a special investigation committee chaired by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar to probe these claims, including those involving MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. - BERNAMA