MACC boss: Ask my predecessors why Shafie wasn't probed earlier

MACC head Dzulkifli Ahmad said the question of why MACC did not pursue Mohd Shafie Apdal when he was still a Cabinet minister should be posed to his predecessors.

"Why is action only being taken now? You have to ask the previous MACC leadership, 'Why was no action was taken?'" Dzulkifli told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Shafie was arrested on Oct 17 over allegations that RM1.5 billion in rural development funds were misappropriated when he served as rural and regional development minister between 2009 and 2015.

Shafie was removed from Cabinet in July 2015 and subsequently founded Parti Warisan Sabah.

Several other Umno and Warisan figures linked to Shafie (photo) have also been arrested in relation to the case. Warisan leaders have claimed that action was only taken against Shafie because he is now part of the opposition.

However, Dzulkifli, who was appointed as MACC chief commissioner last August, clarified that action was only taken based on information and statements given to the commission.

"The issue is not when we take action, the issue is whether there was corruption at the point in time.

"Whether we take action last year, this year or next year, we will still take action, but if there is no corruption then no action can be taken," he said.

"The fact that action was taken shows we had a strong basis for doing so, so just wait for the investigations and the aftermath of the investigations. I hope you will be patient because we are investigating quite a large amount (of allegedly misappropriated funds)."

Dzulkifli also cited the Sabah Water Department scandal, which occurred years before action was taken against those involved.

In the case, three individuals, including former Sabah Water Department director Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib and his wife, were charged with laundering RM61.48 million, and owning luxury goods from illegal activities. 

In response to a question on where money confiscated by the MACC would be channelled to, Dzulkifli said that it cannot be used as it is evidence that may need to be produced in court.

"We keep it a high-security place. I can't reveal it, especially with Sabah, lest the Sulu or the Abu Sayyaf comes," he joked. 

Dzulkifli explained that upon conclusion of a trial, the money will be channelled to the federal government. 

"I was asked whether the money can be channeled to Sabahans, I said no problem, we can suggest to the federal government (that the money) be channeled into consolidated funds," he said.- Mkini