MACC proposes action against Lim over remark
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MACC) will propose legal action against Lim Guan Eng for refusing to apologise over his “illegal arrest” remark involving the detention of a Penang executive councillor.
In a statement yesterday, the MACC said the Penang Chief Minister had failed to apologise although he was given a grace period to do so.
It said the body had unanimously decided on the move, adding that its investigation papers would be handed to Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.
The MACC said while it respected the right of anyone to criticise the commission, it would not tolerate those who made slanderous statements to tarnish its image and reputation.
“We do not play favourites. We treat every investigation equally and fairly,” it said.
The MACC had given Lim 48 hours to issue an apology after he allegedly told reporters on Aug 24 that his executive councillor Phee Boon Poh was “illegally arrested” on the investigation involving an illegal factory in Bukit Mertajam.
In an immediate response, Apandi said he would study the papers submitted to him by the MACC first.
“It is premature (on the course of action) until I have seen all the documents and the facts of the case.
“Give me some time to go through before a decision is made,” he told The Star.
Apandi is in Mecca performing the Haj and is scheduled to return to Malaysia today.
Phee, the factory manager, and a director were arrested by the MACC to assist in investigations into the illegal factory last month.
The MACC also pointed out that it will file an appeal against the High Court’s decision to set aside Phee’s remand and said any statement on the DAP executive councillor’s arrest was sub judice and tantamount to contempt of court.
In George Town, Phee’s lawyer R.S.N. Rayer said DAP national legal bureau chairman Gobind Singh Deo would issue a statement on the matter.
“Gobind will issue a statement in a day or two,” said Rayer, who is also the state DAP legal adviser.