MACC free to conduct investigation against any individuals, says Azalina

KOTA TINGG: The Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission ( MACC) is an independent body and is free to conduct investigation against any individuals, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said it was part of the process in the country’s legal system where those under investigation are not guilty until proven so and are sentenced for the offence.

“To me, it is a normal matter. MACC, as an independent body has the right to investigate,” she said when met at the presentation of contributions at the Gabungan Pergerakan Wanita (GPW) Felda Air Tawar 5 building here on Thursday. She said this when asked for her comment on the recent arrest of a son and a special officer to a Johor government official for alleged involvement in a corruption scandal involving real estate in Johor.

On the arrest by MACC, she said it showed MACC was an independent and professional body.

“To me, if we know we did no wrong, we defend ourselves. Anyone who is being investigated and charged has the right for defence. If convicted, we have the right to appeal,” she added.

The Magistrate’s Court in Johor Bahru yesterday ordered four of six men under investigation over a real estate corruption scandal to be remanded for another seven days from Thursday.

Magistrate Hafizah Johor Ariff Johor issued the order to facilitate the investigation under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission Act 2009.

The previous seven-day remand order, issued on Feb 25, expired on Thursday.

Two of the six men, both developers, were released on MACC bail. — Bernama