MACC breaks no law in releasing audio recordings - Takiyuddin

It was legitimate for the MACC to disclose high-profile audio recordings back in January as this was the discretionary power accorded to the graft buster.

This was according to de facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan (above), who said this to Noh Omar (BN-Tanjong Karang) in a parliamentary reply.

"The audio recording revealed by the MACC in January was permitted by the law (discretionary power) and (it) did not violate any provision of law," he said.

Despite not naming anyone, it is believed Takiyuddin was referring to the nine audio recordings disclosed by the then MACC chief Latheefa Koya on Jan 8.

Without divulging further details, he said the police were investigating the matter and have concluded their investigation.

"However, based on the latest development, the police have completed their probe and referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers on June 19 to seek further advice," Takiyuddin added.

Noh had questioned the level of integrity, credibility, and professionalism of the MACC in releasing the audio clips.

He said the MACC had acted inappropriately when disclosing evidence of the high-profile audio recordings to the public.

Latheefa Koya

Noh said this would invoke speculation and negative public sentiment on the ongoing trial in court.

Latheefa had released nine audio clips implicating Najib, his wife Rosmah Mansor, former MACC chief commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad, as well as a member of the Abu Dhabi royalty, Khaldoon Khalifa Al-Mubarak, who is sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Development Company's chief executive officer.

Several other phone conversations released also appeared to discuss investigations into the 1MDB scandal.

Latheefa had claimed the audio recordings came to MACC anonymously. She said the leak in information between Najib and Dzulkifli showed a conspiracy at the highest level of the BN government at the time.

On July 28, Najib was sentenced to 12 years' jail and fined RM210 million after he was convicted on seven counts of corruption in relation to RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd. - Mkini