Decision to charge based on evidence and facts, no selective prosecution, says AG’s Chambers

PETALING JAYA: The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has reiterated that any decision to charge a person is based on evidence and facts.

"Following the allegations of selective prosecution, politically motivated prosecution and persecution in the prosecution of recent cases, the AGC reiterates that the decision to charge any person is based on the evidence and facts resulting from the investigation, and not at the insistence of any party or other factors," it said in a statement on Friday (March 10).

The AGC said such evidence and facts were results from investigations and not coerced by any party or other factors.

"The decision is made fairly based on the evidence in the investigation paper and not in favour of anyone based on the core of integrity to ensure that the victims, witnesses, the accused and the public obtain appropriate justice in accordance with the jurisdiction of the Attorney General provided under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution," it added.

The AGC also denied allegations of selective prosecution, politically motivated prosecution and persecution of any individual who commits an offence under any provision of the law.

"If there is a statement and strong evidence that an individual has committed an offence under any provision of the law, the individual will be prosecuted based on the provision of the law regardless of status and background."

Recently, several Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leaders cried foul and alleged they became the target of selective prosecution, politically motivated prosecution and persecution when they were hauled up in court for graft charges relating to the Jana Wibawa programme.

The latest to do so was former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was charged on Friday (March 10) with six counts of abuse of power and two counts of money laundering while another charge is expected on Monday (March 13).

Muhyiddin introduced the Jana Wibawa programme during his tenure to give bumiputra contractors a boost during the Covid-19 lockdown.