‘Those under probe should keep quiet’

Building blocks: MACC’s new headquarters at Precinct 7 in Putrajaya. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Those under investigation for corruption and abuse of power should “cease and desist” from making any public statements, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) chief commissioner said.

In issuing a stern warning, Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad said those being probed must never release any statements about their case to the press.

“This action can be deemed as interfering with our probe.

“It has become a trend for those involved in an MACC probe to issue statements. We view this matter seriously as action can be taken against them,” he said in a statement.

Dzulkifli said anyone who tried to interfere with the graft-buster’s investigations could face action under Section 48(h) of the MACC Act 2009 for obstruction.

The offence carries a jail term of up to two years and a fine of RM10,000.

“We will not hesitate to take action against them, in a civil or criminal suit,” he stressed.

Dzulkifli said the MACC also took a serious view of “slanderous statements” made to tarnish its image for taking action against certain wrongdoers.

He urged those with information which could help in any of its ongoing probes to come forward and have their statements recorded.

“Hand over the evidence and assist us in our probe, not by issuing statements,” he said.

On another matter, the MACC said investigations into Felda Investment Corporation’s (FIC) contentious purchase of a hotel in London will be taken overseas.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said the investigating team needed to go abroad to take statements from some witnesses, so the probe would “take some time”.

“It will involve (requesting for) mutual legal assistance.

“We cannot just jump to the other country and investigate,” he said after a flag-raising ceremony at the MACC’s new headquarters in Precinct 7.

“We have to apply to our Attorney-General and he will communicate with the A-G there, so this will take some time.”

Azam said the investigating team would have to identify the witnesses – Malaysians as well as nationals of other countries – it needs to question.

“We are in the process of making the request.

“Whichever witnesses we feel are necessary to the investigation, we will ask to have their statements taken,” he added.

MACC is investigating FIC’s purchase of a posh hotel in Kensington, London, made between 2013 and 2015 for reportedly RM110mil more than its actual value.

The anti-graft body is also probing another of FIC’s hotel purchases in Kuching, also said to have been bought above market value.

Among those who have been arrested in relation to the case is former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.

Azam said that while the probe in London would take awhile, the MACC could wrap up its investigation into the Kuching case earlier.

“Once we have completed it, our findings will be forwarded to the deputy public prosecutor.

“It is his call whether to press charges so I will not speculate,” Azam said when asked if the case is ready to be taken to court.

Earlier, MACC personnel, led by Dzulkifli, attended the flag-raising ceremony.

The flag was lowered at the old headquarters in Parcel D to symbolise the end of operations at that building, and then raised at the new premises.