‘A-GC decided not to charge Musa Aman in 2012’
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) had submitted the investigation papers on former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC) in July 2012.
MACC said A-GC decided not to pursue any charges as it was of the view that the investigation was related to a political donation.
“At that particular time, it was the policy of A-GC not to prosecute any cases that involved a political donation,” MACC said yesterday.
It said it reviewed the investigation papers against Musa a few months ago upon receiving new information.
“MACC has resubmitted the investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for review.
“The attorney-general has decided to charge Musa on 35 counts of corruption under Section 11(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997.
“He was charged on Nov 5.”
MACC said this in response to reports quoting Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad asking MACC to explain why Musa was not prosecuted for alleged graft, adding that the commission had conducted prior investigations into him.
Musa had claimed trial to all 35 charges of graft at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.
Recently, Dr Mahathir said he believed there were reasons why Musa was not prosecuted for alleged corruption years ago.
He said this in response to why Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, who was then attorney-general, had not prosecuted Musa.
“There are reasons for it, I think.
“The matter is not fully understood and I think we will seek clarification... on what was the situation at (that) time.
“There is a need to explain to the public.
“Whether or not (Gani) explains (the matter), the others, such as MACC, have to explain why there was no prosecution,” said Dr Mahathir.
Kepong member of parliament Lim Lip Eng had on Wednesday said that Gani was duty-bound to clear the air on the issue of not prosecuting Musa, as well as to respond to claims that Gani had family ties with Musa.