Amid escalating calls for a probe into allegations that its officers are entangled in a “corporate mafia” scheme, the MACC has doubled down. The commission has issued a second firm denial and dismissed the claims as baseless.
In a statement this evening, MACC alleged that the accusations are part of a smear campaign intended to undermine its reputation.
“MACC is of the view that these accusations constitute an attempt to discredit the commission’s investigations and enforcement actions within the corporate sector, especially against parties who may be affected by ongoing legal proceedings.
“MACC also considers this to be a baseless recycled issue that has been deliberately revived to tarnish the image and reputation of the commission,” it added.
The commission said the allegations cited in a recent Bloomberg report were believed to have stemmed from an anonymous blog with no identifiable owner, author, or accountable source.
“MACC completely rejects these unfounded allegations. The commission views the dissemination of such false accusations with utmost seriousness, particularly when they may undermine public confidence in lawful enforcement actions,” it added.
MACC noted that the matter is currently under investigation by the police, and the commission would extend its full cooperation to ensure that the facts and truth are established in accordance with the law.
The commission also urged any individual who possesses credible information or evidence relating to corruption or misconduct to lodge an official report with the relevant authorities.
“Submitting information through lawful channels enables investigations to be conducted in an orderly and fair manner in accordance with due process, rather than through trial by media or publications lacking credible evidence.
“MACC remains committed to carrying out its mandate to combat corruption without fear or favour and will not be deterred by any attempts to undermine its integrity or disrupt the role and functions of the commission,” it stressed.
Inquiry calls following ‘collusion’ report
Earlier today, Malaysiakini quoted DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke as stating that the party would push for establishing a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate the alleged “corporate mafia” scheme.
Following this, MCA president Wee Ka Siong also demanded a thorough and transparent probe into the allegation.
On Feb 12, Bloomberg reported that MACC, including senior officials, allegedly colluded with certain business figures to oust rivals and orchestrate corporate takeovers.
The report detailed a tactic in which a select group of businesspersons would target a company, then file MACC complaints against it. MACC would then investigate the company’s founders, exerting pressure that enabled the complainants to gain control of the firm.
Eyewitnesses, including insiders from MACC, claimed that some businesspeople or their representatives were even present at the agency’s offices when their competitors were brought in for questioning.
Following the report, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki dismissed the allegations as baseless.
The story emerged amid scrutiny of Azam, whose tenure has been extended three times by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, over the MACC chief’s shareholdings. This is currently the focus of a separate inquiry.
Azam has denied any wrongdoing and welcomed the investigation. He has also filed a RM100 million defamation suit against Bloomberg. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.