PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has not initiated a formal investigation into allegations of misconduct involving a RM4 million procurement contract by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), according to Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The MACC Chief Commissioner stated that the agency has not summoned any individuals, including film producer and actor Datuk Afdlin Shauki, for questioning at this stage.
Azam confirmed that the commission is currently analyzing documents related to the case but has not begun a formal investigation.
"For now, we are not calling anybody because this is not a proper or open investigation. We are analyzing the documents, and if we later determine any wrongdoing, whether criminal or integrity-related, we will consider calling in individuals to assist in our investigation," he said during a press conference at the MACC headquarters on Thursday (Feb 6).
Azam further clarified that the documents obtained from DBKL’s internal probe are still under assessment.
"Firstly, I want to clarify that DBKL initiated its internal action based on information they received from social media. That has been confirmed. Prior to this, MACC had no knowledge of the matter, nor had we conducted any verification," he explained.
He emphasized that not all cases reported on social media or in mainstream media automatically warrant an investigation, as there is a risk of unjust accusations or victimization.
"This is why we are allowing DBKL to carry out its internal investigation first. Our officer, the head of integrity, has been stationed at DBKL as a seconded officer for the past year and is involved in the internal probe," he said.
Azam revealed that MACC has recently gained access to DBKL’s internal investigation documents, including meeting minutes and related records.
"We were uncertain about the exact nature of the documents to be reviewed, but thanks to good cooperation from Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, DBKL has supplied us with the relevant records.
"MACC is now reviewing these documents to assess two key aspects: whether there is any criminal wrongdoing under the MACC Act 2009 related to corruption or abuse of power, and whether there are governance and integrity issues involved," he said.
Azam assured that if any elements of corruption are identified, a full investigation will commence immediately.
"I have directed our Governance Investigation Division to begin a governance inquiry. If there are integrity or governance concerns, I will provide an update as soon as possible—by Monday—on the type of investigation we will pursue, whether it will be a criminal probe or a governance-related inquiry.
"If both issues are present, investigations will proceed simultaneously under both divisions," he stated.
Last week, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa indicated that DBKL’s internal investigation into allegations of misconduct involving Datuk Afdlin Shauki in a RM4mil procurement contract is expected to be completed this week.
She confirmed that DBKL’s integrity unit would summon all relevant parties, including Afdlin, to complete the investigation.
Previously, media reports revealed that DBKL had initiated an internal probe into claims that a board member was linked to the award of a RM4mil project without an open tender.
DBKL Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif has acknowledged the internal investigation and is collaborating with DBKL’s integrity unit.
The allegations, which involve a breach of governance procedures in the procurement of a creative material production project, first surfaced on social media.
In response, Afdlin denied the allegations, stating on social media that the issue was being deliberately used to tarnish his reputation.
