No client documents seized, says law firm raided by MACC

Law firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana (RDS) has issued a statement to confirm none of its clients’ documents were seized during an MACC raid yesterday.

RDS said such documents were legally protected and the MACC was not given access to them.

“On Friday, 12 MACC officers came to our office and demanded to search our office premises and seize documents.

“We have informed the MACC officers and we wish to reiterate the legal sanctity of a law office where client’s documents are legally privileged and cannot be seized by the MACC by reason of Section 46 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

“Section 46 clearly recognises the legal inviolability of privileged information or communication. Accordingly, the MACC officers had no access to any of our client’s documents,” said RDS.

RDS said that as a law firm, it is committed to preventing any form of abuse, exploitation or coercion by any authority in the course of acting for its clients.

“The rakyat has the right to legal representation and this universal principle cannot be ignored.

“Lawyers are a key part of the administration of justice in a society that aspires to be a functioning and progressive democracy.

“We remain committed to this principle, and we will continue to protect the legal rights and interest of all our clients - without fear or favour,” said RDS.

‘Abuse of power’

Last night, ex-prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin claimed an abuse of power following the raid yesterday morning.

“MACC raided my lawyer’s office today. Why did they do that? This is abuse of power by the authorities.

“It’s enough, Anwar (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim). Stop this oppression… Focus on saving the economy and helping the people,” said Muhyiddin.

Rosli Dahlan, who is a partner of RDS, is the lead counsel for Bersatu and Muhyiddin.

Lawyer Rosli Dahlan

Yesterday MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed an ongoing investigation against a lawyer involved in the government’s efforts to recover 1MDB assets.

When contacted, he said the lawyer is one of several individuals being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

Azam did not name the lawyer under investigation.

In confirming the raid, Azam said, “MACC also denies the presence of its officers has gone against any law.

“This is because the MACC is cognisant of the law and understands the lawyer’s and client’s privilege,” he said. - Mkini