Azalina: MACC's report on Mohd Nazlan with the CJ

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has submitted a report on its probe of Court of Appeal judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Ghazali to the Chief Justice, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said MACC had completed their investigation and she received a letter notifying her that they had submitted their report to Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on Feb 21 regarding breach of ethics under the Judges' Code of Ethics 2009.

"However, there is no additional information that was informed to me regarding this matter in the letter," she said while wrapping up for her ministry on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address today.

She said the matter was subject to the decision of the Chief of Justice in line with Article 125 (3) (3A) of the Federal Constitution.

However, she also pointed out that the Attorney General (AG) has the authority and discretion to begin proceedings against anyone, including judges.

"The discretionary powers provided to the Attorney General under Article 145 (3) is huge and the AG may conduct or institute any proceedings against any individuals including judges if it meets with all elements contained with the charges.

"However, the government will not interfere with the powers of the AG," she said.

On Feb 15, several MPs called on Azalina to reveal what happened to the probe on Mohd Nazlan.

Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) among others, had asked whether the MACC had completed its probe in September last year.

Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) had said the accusation against Mohd Nazlan had tarnished the image of the judiciary and an update should be given on the matter.