Explain probe status on PI Bala, Jingga 13 tells MACC

NGO Jingga 13 has called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to explain the status of its investigation into private eye P Balasubramaniam’s affidavit.

This, he said, was in connection with Balasubramaniam’s allegations that there had been attempts to bribe him so that he would implicate opposition leaders over his 2008 statutory declaration linking Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and murdered Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.

“It has been two years and three months, yet not only Balasubramaniam but all Malaysians are still waiting for MACC’s reaction and action over the investigation,” said Jingga 13 chief Fariz Musa.

Fariz (right) pointed out that the affidavit, a response to MACC’s questions for Balasubramaniam, had been handed over to the commission through the latter’s lawyer Americk Singh on July 21, 2010.

“There has not been any reaction from MACC, does it mean that any allegations against Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor would be covered up and no action taken?” he said.

The statement comes after Balasubramaniam, in a letter dated Nov 2, had threatenedto go public with evidence on the matter if the MACC continues to remain mum.

If this happens, Fariz said, it would embarrass the country and the MACC would be looked upon as an dishonourable and unprofessional body which had failed in its investigation.

As such, he urged the MACC to act professionally to preserve its credibility.

“MACC should be a body that inspires confidence and not be seen as being controlled by ‘hidden hands’ which make MACC unable to function in combating corruption which is becoming endemic in this country,” he said.