MACC to call up Najib if RM90m allegedly paid to PAS is true

MACC will summon former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak in its probe into claim that the party paid PAS RM90 million only if investigation finds the allegation true.

MACC chief commissioner Shukri Abdull said anti-graft officers are now focusing on establishing if such payments to PAS leaders had really happened as alleged.

"At the moment, we are still not sure (whether Najib's assistance is required).

"It depends on the outcome of the investigation. For now, MACC has to first establish whether the transfer of monies had indeed happened as alleged," he told Malaysiakini when contacted last night.

Shukri was asked to comment on the progress of the investigation, which was only launched recently after MACC received complaint on the payment, which was allegedly made to secure support of several PAS leaders during the 14th general election last year.

The former prime minister is among several figures central to the issue as he was the party president during the time when it had allegedly happened.

The claim also includes the possibility that the money allegedly paid by Umno had come from 1MDB, of which Najib was its chairperson.

Following MACC's announcement that it is commencing probe into the case on Wednesday, media reports stated that investigators had called up several people to record their statements.

'Let's carry out our duties professionally'

These include PAS central committee member Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, its former deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa, and Amanah vice-president Husam Musa, who are expected to appear before the investigators today.

Meanwhile, Shukri was also asked on how MACC is going to determine whether the money transfers had happened, and who they expect to call next to assist in the probe.

However, he declined comment, saying that MACC does not want to be associated as having political motivation.

Shukri also called for all quarters to let the commission conduct its duties according to the rule of law.

"I want to call for all to let MACC carry out our duties professionally and according to the laws.

"I do not want to speculate or make any prediction, so as to prevent MACC from being associated with politically-motivated (allegations).

"And I would like to stress that MACC is truly neutral, independent and professional," he said. - Mkini