‘We won’t shoot the messenger’
A-G: Task force to monitor probe into MACC chief’s alleged affair
PETALING JAYA: The AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers will not be going after those who uploaded the video relating to an alleged affair involving a senior graft-buster as “we do not believe in shooting the messenger”, says Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.
“Do not question the whistleblower or say whether it is real or fake before we get to the bottom of it,” the Attorney-General said in an interview.
He was commenting on a matter involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad.
“There have been six or seven police reports lodged so far about the video. And people are asking why certain people are uploading such videos online, who is it, who did it?
“To me, every case, every report, must be treated equally,” he said.
He urged the public to refrain from speculating.
“We will uphold the truth and rule of law, consistent with our obligations under Articles 33 and 37 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption,” said Apandi.
He added that in line with the current best practices of the country, the authorities will ensure that the investigation will not discourage whistleblowers or competent wit- nesses from coming forward to help.
In a separate statement released yesterday, the nation’s top prosecutor said his Chambers set up a task force on Monday to scrutinise the investigation into reports of the alleged extramarital affair.
“In view of the seriousness of the allegation that can affect the integrity of the chief commissioner of the MACC, the task force will monitor the investigation of the alleged offences under Section 498 of the Penal Code and other related offences.
“On this note, we would like to caution and remind all parties not to make any comments that can jeopardise the ongoing investigation,” he said.
An online video recently emerged accusing Dzulkifli of having an extramarital affair.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun subsequently confirmed that police had received a report on the matter.
Fuzi reportedly said police are investigating the allegations under Section 498 of the Penal Code for enticing a married woman.
In a recent interview with TV3, Dzulkifli said he will not be cowed by personal attacks and the commmission will continue its fight against graft.
“We will not bow to pressure. “We will continue to carry out our duties and responsibilities to ensure that the country is rid of those who are involved in corruption and power abuse,” he said.