MACC has gone overboard in probe against Phee, says Anwar

The jailed PH leader says there are reservations over the way the anti-graft body has obtained information from the Penang exco.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has gone overboard in its probe against Penang state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, claims PKR adviser Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said while they welcomed the stern action taken by the body in the Felda Global Ventures (FGV) and Sabah water scandal, he expressed concern over the way information has been obtained from the DAP assemblyman in the case of the illegal factory and pollution in Sungai Lembu in Bukit Mertajam.

“The stern action in the two cases is very much welcome, even when questions still arise as to why the probe has not been extended to the higher-ups.

“In the Sungai Lembu case, the MACC action is deemed reasonable.

“However, we are doubtful as we feel MACC has gone overboard in obtaining information from Phee, including his remand,” he said in a statement.

MACC had on Saturday successfully applied for a five-day remand order from the Magistrate’s Court to allow Phee and two factory bosses to be investigated over an alleged illegal carbon filter factory in Bukit Mertajam.

The remand order has since been set aside by the Penang High Court.

Phee, 66, will be investigated for using his office or position for gratification under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.

The other two men, a father and son aged 70 and 37, are the owners of the carbon filter factory, said to have been operating illegally for more than 10 years.

If found guilty, Phee faces 20 years’ jail, a fine of not less than five times the value of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher. - FMT