PM: Govt remains firm against corruption, MACC investigation still at early stage


KUALA LUMPUR: It is best not to make any assumption about the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into allegations of corruption involving three individuals from the Human Resources Ministry, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the matter was still under investigation and no charges have been made against anyone so far.

ALSO READ: MACC's decision to arrest HR Minister’s officers, says Anwar

"In an investigation, even as a prime minister, I have to comply if called in to give an explanation.

"We have to differentiate the process involving an investigation (and after charges are made), so I leave it to the MACC. If there are charges, then it is a different matter.

"As such, we cannot make presumptions. What is important is in the fight against corruption, we are firm and not concerned with which party or group will be offended. This is our principle," he told reporters here on Monday (April 17).

Anwar was commenting on Human Resources Minister V.Sivakumar being summoned by the MACC on Sunday (April 16).

ALSO READ: Sivakumar gives statement to MACC

He said it was best not to make any assumptions apart from the fact that Sivakumar was called in to answer some questions from the MACC.

Earlier, Anwar launched the "Sayr Al-Salikin's Masterpiece" and "Hikayat Iskandar Zulkarnain" books here at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Sivakumar was summoned on Sunday (April 16) to assist its investigations into allegations of corruption involving the recruitment of foreign workers.

Last week, three people, including two of Sivakumar's officers, were picked up in connection with the case.

A senior officer of the minister and a businessman aged between 40 and 50 were arrested as they arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Bangkok, Thailand.

The senior officer was said to be a former leader in the DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) wing.

Follow-up investigations led the MACC to another Sivakumar aide.

This third suspect, in her 50s, is believed to be a private secretary. She was arrested after recording her statement.

The remand order for the three suspects is expected to end on April 17.

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