MACC: Jana Wibawa probe free from interference

PETALING JAYA: Investigations carried out against several individuals over the Jana Wibawa programme are free from interference, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The MACC said the investigations were based on information and evidence obtained by the anti-graft body.

“The investigation papers that have been completed were then referred to the Attorney General’s chambers for proper study and consideration.

“The investigation process is free from interference of any party,” it said in a statement.

The MACC said accusations that investigations were instructed by certain parties and politically motivated were not true and had tarnished its reputation.

The Jana Wibawa programme was approved for implementation by the Cabinet in November 2020.

It was aimed at assisting bumiputra contractors to weather the economic hardship during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to earlier reports, MACC investigations were centred on RM92bil from the RM600bil government economic aid package of which Jana Wibawa was part of.

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the implementation of the Jana Wibawa project had been suspended to re-examine whether the procurement procedure was conducted according to the rules set by the Treasury.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the postponement of the project involving a value of RM5.7bil was made because there was an element of the procurement made through selected tenders or direct negotiations.

Separately, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has reiterated that its decision to charge any person was based on evidence and facts.

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

“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.

“The decision was made fairly based on the evidence in the investigation paper, 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 said in a statement yesterday.

“If there is a statement and strong evidence that any 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.”