PETALING JAYA: DAP remained firm in pushing for the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe allegations of a “corporate mafia” linked to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo said a mere denial by the MACC was insufficient when the integrity of the country’s premier anti-graft agency was being questioned.
“It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 25).
On Feb 11, Bloomberg published an article titled “Who’s Watching Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog?” which detailed allegations that a group of businessmen, allegedly working with certain MACC officers, had pressured corporate figures in takeover cases, which was later described as a “corporate mafia” network.
Gobind said while the MACC had dismissed the claims as baseless, a self-issued statement by the commission is not enough to restore public or investor confidence.
He added that the allegations were specific, naming individuals and companies and referencing identifiable cases, which provided a sufficient basis for an inquiry to commence.
“The best option would be for an RCI to be formed as it would be equipped with the necessary statutory powers to conduct a proper and meaningful inquiry into the matter,” he said.
Gobind stressed that the call for an RCI was not about finding fault or placing blame but to reaffirm that the MACC remains beyond suspicion and free of allegations affecting its integrity or credibility.
He noted that the allegations had generated significant interest both locally and internationally, making it important for adequate steps to be taken.
“This is also not about undermining the MACC but rather strengthening it instead, making it clear that all agencies entrusted with investigative and enforcement powers are always subject to inquiry and the rule of law,” he said.
He reiterated that the inquiry should be conducted through an RCI equipped with all necessary powers to ensure an effective and transparent probe, and that it should be established as soon as possible.
