MACC seeks A-G's approval to file defamation suit against Guan Eng

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is seeking approval from the Attorney-General over a defamation suit against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad said MACC is submitting the request today (Thursday).

"We are doing it today to get the Attorney-General's agreement to allow us to initiate the civil suit against Lim.

"We need to get the approval as we are a government agency," he told reporters after attending the basic training graduation ceremony of 223 MACC officers at the Police Training Academy (Pulapol).

On Sept 5, the MACC decided that it would take Lim to court after he refused to apologise over a claim that the arrest of Penang executive councillor Phee Boon Poh was illegal following MACC investigations involving an illegal carbon filter-processing factory in Sungai Lembu in Bukit Mertajam.

On Aug 25, Dzulkifli gave Lim 48 hours to issue an unconditional apology to the commission or face legal action.

On a separate matter, Dzulkifli said investigations into 13 individuals detained in May over illegal gambling dens and massage parlours in Melaka were still ongoing.

"As mentioned, we are still trying to locate several witnesses for their statements.

"However, we believe that some have since fled the country," he said.

Last month, MACC said they were seeking 12 men to assist in its probe into a vice protection racket involving police officers in Melaka.

Although not providing a time frame, Dzulkifli said investigations would be deemed completed once all witnesses statements were recorded.

Among those detained were the OCPDs of Melaka Tengah and Jasin.

They were investigated under Section 16 (a) (B) and 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.