Datuk-ship deferred for 'errant' Pahang MACC chief

Rumbles have been set off in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as its Pahang chief was set to be awarded a ‘datuk-ship’, even though he has been sanctioned twice for alleged misconduct and is currently facing a third probe.

He was to have received the ‘Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang’ which carries the title ‘Datuk’, said a source who queried why this was not picked up by the MACC itself during the screening of nominees for their suitability.

However, following repeated questions by Malaysiakini over the last two days, the news portal was informed late yesterday that the award has been “deferred”. 

According to the source, MACC is tasked with vetting all those nominated for state and federal honours to ensure that they are not involved in - or suspected of - wrongdoing including corruption and criminal activities.

In the late 1990s, for example, the MACC’s predecessor - the Anti-Corruption Agency - had identified two individuals during a rehearsal of an investiture ceremony in Malacca as being the subject of graft investigations.

“So how did Moh Samsudin’s name escape vetting when his name was in a list published in the newspapers on Oct 24 and again last Saturday?” asked the source.

More so, the nominee for the title is from within MACC’s ranks.

“This makes a mockery of the MACC and brings it into disrepute,” lamented the source.

Nomination from Pahang palace

Contacted yesterday, Moh Samsudin would only say: “Since a complaint has been made to you (Malaysiakini), you should investigate it (on your own).” 

MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed, also when contacted, directed Deputy Commissioner I Mohd Shukri Abdull (right) to respond.

Shukri said Moh Samsudin was not put through the vetting process because the nomination for the award had come directly from the Pahang palace.

However, another source familiar with the process insisted that the MACC has the power to screen nominees and block the awards even in such instances.

About 6.30pm yesterday, Shukri sent a text-message to Malaysiakinistating: “I have been informed that the Pahang government has deferred (tangguhkan) the award to the individual concerned.”

A battery of complaints

Details of the first complaint of misconduct against Moh Samsudin and the penalty were not immediately available. 

A second charge of misconduct was levelled three years ago when he was Selangor MACC director, after he provided ‘advice’ to Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim before recording his statement over the controversy on the use of his official car. 

A source familiar with the case said Moh Samsudin was not authorised to either offer ‘advice’ or record the statement.

“He could have been sacked, but was given a stern warning and transferred to be director of the Pahang office. 

“His pay-scale was lowered from special grade to D54, and his pay and promotion have been suspended until 2014,”  said the source.

A third charge of misconduct is being investigated, but details have been withheld pending the outcome of the probe.

MACC has since cleared Abdul Khalid of wrongdoing where the menteri besar used his personal car as his official car, but its maintenance was paid by the state government.

Malaysiakini had earlier sent a query via email to Public Services Commission secretary Ramli Jauhari for his response, but it was understood that he and his top officers are in Sabah and Sarawak and would only be back later in the week.