Call for prosecution over alleged misappropriation of RM1.56 bln
KOTA KINABALU: The Attorney General and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have been urged to charge and prosecute those who were investigated for the alleged misappropriation of RM1.56 billion in funds allocated for rural projects in Sabah.
Speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday, Sabah Umno Zone 6 secretary Datuk Ainal Fattah said the Attorney General was empowered by Section 145(3) of the Federal Constitution to make the call, if there was sufficient evidence for the court to put them on trial.
He said the public had been waiting for the court to make a decision whether those who were investigated were guilty or not.
“As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied. The public is very anxious that investigations in relation to the wrongdoing should be properly prosecuted.
“I strongly believe that MACC will also investigate the same in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, especially projects implemented for the year between 2009 and 2015,” said Ainal, who is the Umno secretary to 12 assembly seats under four MPs, namely Kalabakan, Tawau, Silam and Semporna.
He said under the Malaysian legal system, no one is above the law.
“MACC is an independent body responsible for combatting and eradicating corruption. It has to ensure that justice must not only be done but must be undoubtedly and manifestly seen to be done.
“It is a pity that the poor and innocent rural people were affected by corruption and bribery. I am saying this because according to the news, that particular projects should be for the development of basic amenities such as clean water supply, electricity and road links.
“However, I must praise the efficiency of collective responsibility and team work of MACC led by Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad and assisted by Datuk Seri Asam Baki, Datuk Sazali Salbi and the entire staff,” he said.
Ainal added, MACC is making Malaysian citizens standing tall, especially with its performance in investigating without compromising, that is, calling on politicians and civil servants for investigation irrespectively of their political ideology, rank and position.
The senior lawyer from Semporna also urged political parties not to politicise the arrests of some individuals as every man is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.