MACC and AG must act on 'Muhyiddin tape' - Ramkarpal

DAP legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh said the authorities must immediately investigate the purported audio recording allegedly depicting Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin laying out a plan to lure Umno MPs.

In a statement today, Ramkarpal said if the audio recording was authentic, then the execution of the plan would violate anti-graft laws.

"(The recording depicted) a man resembling that of Muhyiddin is heard saying that Umno MPs can be enticed to join Bersatu if they are offered ministership or GLC (government-linked company) positions.

"There can be no doubt that the offering and receiving of positions such as ministerships and GLC posts is a form of gratification amounting to corruption within the ambit of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009," he said.

Ramkarpal, an experienced lawyer and lawmaker, said if the recording was proven authentic, those who offered and received the gratification may be charged in court.

"(That) will put the current Perikatan Nasional government in a most precarious position," he said.

This law contained several provisions to punish both the giver and receiver of an unlawful gratification.

For instance, Section 23 makes it an offence for any officer of a public body who uses public office or position for any gratification intended for anyone.

Generally, a violation of this law can result in a jail term of not more than 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the gratification.

Ramkarpal said investigations were most necessary in view that the offering of positions to PN MPs took place in recent months, consistent with the contents of the audio recording.

"This lends credence to the possibility of the said recording being authentic," he said.

In view of this, he urged attorney-general Idrus Harun and MACC chief Azam Baki to immediately commence a public and transparent investigation.

"Anything less would be a severe dereliction of duty on their part," he said.

The audio recording allegedly depicted what Muhyiddin said during Bersatu's supreme council meeting on Feb 23, hours before the "Sheraton Move" took place which triggered the toppling of the elected Pakatan Harapan government.    - Mkini