PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Latheefa Koya flouted the rule of law when she released explosive telephone conversation recordings of high-profile figures, including former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, alleging criminal elements, says lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla.
Haniff said Latheefa should have ordered the officer who received the nine audio clips to lodge a police report because it was not within the jurisdiction of the MACC to investigate criminal offence under the Penal Code.
"If indeed there were elements of other crime, it should be investigated under the Penal Code, and not the MACC Act," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Latheefa had on Wednesday (Jan 8) disclosed these recordings, claiming it indicated serious power abuse, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice and compromised national security.
Haniff said Latheefa had, unfortunately, wrongly exposed the newly obtained materials to the public.
"Fresh evidence, which the police have yet to investigate, should not be exposed publicly because it can adversely affect investigations and create negative public perception," he said.
Haniff said Latheefa's action raised questions of whether she had undermined the courts, as criminal charges against former premier Najib were still being heard in court.
"Can such disclosure be construed as contempt of court?
"Who will benefit from such disclosure – the prosecution, Najib or any other parties?" he asked.
Haniff said at this point in time he could not provide answers to these questions because the court cases involving Najib and others were still ongoing, and it was up to those implicated to figure out what to do next.
Haniff said Latheefa should have ordered the officer who received the nine audio clips to lodge a police report because it was not within the jurisdiction of the MACC to investigate criminal offence under the Penal Code.
"If indeed there were elements of other crime, it should be investigated under the Penal Code, and not the MACC Act," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Latheefa had on Wednesday (Jan 8) disclosed these recordings, claiming it indicated serious power abuse, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice and compromised national security.
Haniff said Latheefa had, unfortunately, wrongly exposed the newly obtained materials to the public.
"Fresh evidence, which the police have yet to investigate, should not be exposed publicly because it can adversely affect investigations and create negative public perception," he said.
Haniff said Latheefa's action raised questions of whether she had undermined the courts, as criminal charges against former premier Najib were still being heard in court.
"Can such disclosure be construed as contempt of court?
"Who will benefit from such disclosure – the prosecution, Najib or any other parties?" he asked.
Haniff said at this point in time he could not provide answers to these questions because the court cases involving Najib and others were still ongoing, and it was up to those implicated to figure out what to do next.
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