MACC begins probe on Sivarraajh over court’s vote-buying finding

C Sivarraajh. (Bernama pic)

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating C Sivarraajh over a recent court finding that voters were bribed to help him win the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat in the May 9 polls.

MACC chief commissioner Shukri Abdull said they were collecting evidence following the revelations in the court.

“The decision by the court is based on witness statements and if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt then we might proceed. We need solid proof in court. So in this case, we are still investigating,” he said at a press conference at the railway station here today.

Asked if reports had been made against Sivarraajh, Shukri said the MACC did not need official reports to initiate a probe, and that its officers could rely on news reports to do so.

The Election Court hearing a petition by the losing DAP candidate had held on Nov 30 that corrupt practices had been proven to have been committed with the knowledge and consent of Sivarraajh in the campaign for the Cameron Highlands seat.

Sivarraajh won with a 597-vote majority in a five-cornered fight with candidates from DAP, PSM, PAS and Berjasa.

During the petition hearing, Orang Asli leaders testified that Barisan Nasional candidates for the Cameron Highlands parliamentary and Jelai state seats had given a total of RM2,100 to six Tok Batins, in seeking their support a few days before polling day.

The Tok Batins also said they were given RM200 as “duit rokok” (pocket money) during the 12-day campaign period.

Sivarraajh has denied he paid money to buy votes.

Last week, Sivarraajh was ordered to leave the Dewan Rakyat over the Election Court’s decision, after being prompted by Jelutong MP RSN Rayer who asked if Sivarraajh had a stay order on the court decision.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof gave Sivarraajh the marching orders until he could confirm his appeal against the court decision to nullify his victory in the May 9 general election.

However, Ariff reversed the order yesterday, saying Sivarraajh could stay so long as he filed the appeal against the decision in 14 days. - FMT