'Malicious, defamatory': MACC won't comment on Bloomberg report

 

The MACC has declined to comment on Bloomberg’s latest report, which alleged that members of its top leadership colluded with business figures in schemes to edge out corporate rivals and orchestrate takeovers.

In a strongly worded statement, MACC claimed that the allegations were made with malicious intent to tarnish the commission’s reputation.

“MACC wishes to emphasise that the commission will not comment on allegations that are defamatory in nature, speculative, or that involve matters which are sub judice or subject to ongoing legal proceedings.

However, the commission categorically rejected the allegation that its investigations are influenced by personal interests.

“All investigations undertaken by MACC are conducted strictly in accordance with the law, guided by evidence, and carried out independently without fear or favour,” it added.

MACC further stressed that prosecutorial decisions do not rest with the commission but fall under the prosecutorial discretion and judicial oversight of the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the courts, in line with Malaysia’s legal framework founded on the principle of separation of powers.

“As an enforcement agency, the functions and roles of the MACC are governed by the MACC Act 2009, and are subject to oversight by five independent oversight bodies,” it added.

The statement also underscored that allegations of misconduct must be addressed through the courts and established legal processes, not litigated in the court of public opinion.

MACC reiterates that any individual or party in possession of credible and verifiable evidence of corruption or misconduct is urged to channel such information through the appropriate legal avenues to enable proper assessment and action in accordance with the law.

According to the Bloomberg report, a small group of businesspeople had been employing a strategy in which they first express interest in a target company and then lodge complaints with the MACC against it.

MACC would subsequently launch investigations into the company’s founders and apply pressure, enabling those who filed the reports to gain access to and eventually control of their targets. - Mkini