PETALING JAYA: The authorities are considering legal action against international media outlet Bloomberg over reports alleging that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) acted on instructions from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during investigations into certain individuals.
“So far, legal action is being reviewed because the Royal Malaysia Police has received several reports and taken action, including summoning Bloomberg representatives and related individuals on Oct 1, 8, and 11," Anwar said.
The Prime Minister added that since the matter is under a police investigation, he left it to them to investigate and for the Attorney General’s Chambers to take appropriate action, he said during Prime Minister's Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 15).
Anwar added that this was the second time Bloomberg had made "dangerous accusations" against the Prime Minister and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Malaysia's monarch).
The first allegation claimed the government had approved the construction of a new casino, which Anwar called an "extreme slander" on a matter that the Cabinet nor the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had ever discussed.
Anwar has denied allegations of political interference in corruption investigations, stating that he only gave the MACC general orders to act decisively against crime.
In response to a question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), Anwar clarified that his instructions to the authorities did not involve any specific cases.
"I instructed the MACC, Inland Revenue Board, police, and other enforcement bodies to take firm, uncompromising action against crime.
“However, I did not direct them to investigate any specific cases, as the MACC and Attorney General's Chambers must remain independent and decisive in their actions," he said.
Ahmad Fadhli had asked the Prime Minister to state whether the Government is prepared to take legal action against Bloomberg regarding the alleged interference of the Prime Minister in MACC's investigation to the extent that it had tarnished his image in the fight against power abuse and corruption.
Last month, a Bloomberg report claimed that Anwar had ordered the MACC chief commissioner to investigate his political rivals, including Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Daim Zainudin.
The report also alleged that Anwar directed the MACC not to investigate his former aide, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, over his purchase of shares in the technology services provider HeiTech Padu Bhd.
The technology services provider is linked to the development of a new immigration system costing RM1bil.
