SEVERAL judges accused of judicial impropriety in an affidavit by a Court of Appeal judge will be called up by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for questioning next week, said a high-ranking source.
The MACC source told The Malaysian Insight that these past and present Federal Court judges will be the focus of the anti-graft agency’s investigations.
The agency opened investigation papers on the case despite not getting the cooperation of Hamid Sultan Abu Backer, who affirmed the affidavit last week, said the source.
Hamid told MACC officers who visited him that he will reveal all only to a special task force investigating his allegations, or a royal commission of inquiry panel.
“Investigations are expected to begin next week,” said the source.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday announced that an RCI will be set up to investigate Hamid’s allegations, but the terms of reference have not yet been decided.
The source said MACC’s investigations will not clash with the RCI proceedings.
“In fact, if the RCI panel requests it, we will help them in their probe.”
He said MACC will review the information contained in Hamid’s affidavit and conduct its investigations under the MACC Act.
MACC has urged those with information on the allegations to report the information directly to the agency’s nearest office.
“Every informant is promised protection under the Whistle-blower Protection Act,” said the source.
Hamid, in his affidavit, alleged widespread corruption and cronyism in the judiciary.
He also claimed interference in high-profile cases, and detailed a scam involving politicians, the private sector and judges to swindle public funds.
The affidavit was filed in support of lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo’s application to declare that the chief justice failed to defend the integrity and credibility of the judiciary over two alleged incidents of judicial interference.
THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT
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