KUALA LUMPUR: Police have opened two separate investigation papers following allegations that a senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer received RM350,000 from an individual in 2017.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said police had received reports over the allegation, which has been circulating on several social media platforms in recent days.
"An investigation paper was opened under Section 165 of the Penal Code for a public servant allegedly receiving a valuable item without consideration from a person involved in proceedings or business conducted by the officer.
"If convicted, the offence carries a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.
"The second investigation paper involves alleged defamation and improper use of network facilities or services," he said in a statement.
Comm Kumar said the investigation would cover Section 500 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Police are also investigating possible offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
He said an application for an Order to Investigate under Section 108(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code would be submitted to the Public Prosecutor to facilitate further investigations.
This includes recording witness statements and obtaining confirmation of the status of previous investigations conducted by the MACC.
Comm Kumar urged the public not to speculate on the case while police complete their investigations, stressing the importance of respecting the principles of criminal justice.
He also advised the public to use social media responsibly to safeguard the country's peace and security.
