The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is prepared to fight a legal challenge against its right to issue compounds to individuals who had allegedly received 1MDB-linked funds from former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.
MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya (above) confirmed that the anti-graft body has been named as the respondent in several judicial review applications filed by individuals who were among 80 individuals and entities said to have received money from 1MDB.
"There are many things that are going on right now.
"The compound thing. Naturally, when we give you a chance to pay a fine and when you don't, then we will have to take action," Latheefa told reporters after a function in Kuala Lumpur.
"While we are dealing with that, we were served with an application challenging our right to issue the compound.
"That, of course, we have to fight," she stressed.
"That is under the Attorney-General's Chambers and now at the leave stage. We are the respondent.
"The AG will be challenging the fact, 'can you actually challenge someone who issues you a compound?'," Latheefa further explained.
Financial-daily The Edge reported today that former Felda chairperson Shahrir Samad (above) and former deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan were among those who have separately filed judicial review applications against the notices issued by MACC to recover the funds they allegedly received from 1MDB.
The report also stated that similar challenges have been filed by Umno supreme council member Mohd Sumaili Reduan, the Penang Umno liaison committee, as well as the Umno divisions of Batu, Labis, Indera Mahkota and Taiping.
Their applications to seek permission to initiate the judicial review will be reportedly heard today before Justice Nordin Hassan at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.
Latheefa had, in an interview with Malay-daily Berita Harian on Dec 31, hinted that the MACC would soon pursue legal actions against individuals or entities who refused to return the funds they allegedly received from 1MDB.
'Initial charges will be under Amla'
Quizzed on the matter today, she refused to reveal further details, beyond stating that the initial charges would be under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Illegal Activities Act 2001 (Amla).
"Not (charging) this week… (but) In the near future," Latheefa said.
Latheefa also said the MACC has yet to receive any formal report linked to the ongoing Kimanis by-election.
"As for now there is no report," she said, adding that Sabah MACC is closely monitoring the ongoing campaign carried out by BN and Warisan, now in its second day.
Since nominations for the by-election last took place Saturday, several Umno leaders have alleged inaction over purported breaches of election laws, including through various announcements made by federal ministers and the hosting of a Christmas and New Year celebration. - Mkini
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