MACC on why Musa not prosecuted in 2012

PUTRAJAYA: The AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers decided not to proceed with the prosecution against former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman in 2012 because the investigation was focused on political contributions, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

In a statement issued yesterday, the MACC said the commission had conducted an investigation against Musa and the investigation papers had been submitted to the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers in July 2012 for further action.

“However, the Attorney General’s Chambers decided not to proceed with the prosecution as the investigation focused on political contributions.

“It is the policy of the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers at that time to not prosecute cases involving political contributions,” said the MACC in response to a report that quoted Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as asking the MACC to explain why Musa was not charged before.

On Thursday, Dr Mahathir was reported to have said that he believed the former Attorney-General, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, had certain reasons in not prosecuting Musa and believed the MACC should explain the reason.

The MACC said it had reviewed the investigation papers against Musa several months ago after obtaining new information on the case.

“The MACC has submitted an investigation papers to the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers to be reviewed,” it said.

According to the MACC, the Attorney General later ruled that Musa will be charged with 35 counts of corruption under Section 11 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997.

Musa was charged with the offences last Nov 5.