No compromise when it comes to MACC misconduct, says Advisory Board chairman

PUTRAJAYA: There will be no compromise when it comes to misconduct by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers, says Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang.

The chairman of the MACC's Anti-Corruption Advisory Board said that this applies to any officer of the Commission, regardless of their high position or status.

Speaking at a highly anticipated press conference on Wednesday (Jan 5), Abu Zahar said he did not receive any letters from former panel member Prof Dr Edmund Terence Gomez regarding the issue of shares owned by a top MACC official.

He added that he had ordered the MACC secretariat to invite Gomez to discuss all the issues raised openly in order to get to the bottom of it despite the fact that the matter had been shared on social media.

Abu Zahar then said that his invitation was turned down by Gomez.

"I am always open and transparent when holding discussions with Gomez in such matters, as I will not compromise or protect any MACC officials if there is any misconduct regardless of their position or status," he said.

On the issue of Gomez's resignation, Abu Zahar said that it was Gomez's personal right to resign and no individual can stop him from doing so.

He added that he believed that any complaints made must be backed by strong evidence and should be forwarded to the Special Committee on Corruption, the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board or the MACC Complaint's Committee (JKA).

He also said that Gomez should lodge a police report involving the matter if he has no confidence in the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board.

Abu Zahar then added that the Board's function is only to advise the MACC on aspects pertaining to prevention and community awareness

On Dec 28, Gomez resigned from the MACC Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel, citing the panel's inaction with regards to his allegations regarding Azam.

Azam allegedly has a business interest in a public-listed company.

Gomez said he had raised the issue with panel chairman Tan Sri Borhan Dolah on Nov 12 and asked him to call a meeting of the panel on the allegations.

He added that he wrote to Borhan again on Nov 26 with more information on the top official's business links.