MACC to probe ‘judicial rowdyism’

Investigators are planning to call several people for questioning

PUTRAJAYA: Graft investigators are planning to call up several people for questioning next week over the “judicial rowdyism” alleged by a top judge.

Although the claims made in the judge’s affidavit did not mention specific incidents nor name any individual, investigators have gleaned enough information to get the case off the ground.

Highly placed sources in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said some of the clues were obtained from analysing Court of Appeal judge Datuk Dr Hamid Sultan Abu Backer’s ( pic) 63-page affidavit.

“Certain information also came from whistleblowers who have knowledge of what the judge alleged.

“We can start investigations next week,” a source told The Star.

However, the source declined to divulge who would be called for their statements.

Hamid Sultan’s affidavit with allegations of collusion between certain top judges and private litigants to cheat the government raised eyebrows when it was filed in court last week.

The affidavit was in support an application by the late Karpal Singh’s daughter Sangeet Singh Deo to declare that the Chief Justice had failed to defend the integrity of the Judiciary in two cases.

Hamid Sultan later suggested that a special taskforce probe his claims as a precursor to a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).

MACC deputy chief commis-| sioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki met Hamid Sultan after the issue was brought to light.

“We went to see him because we wanted to get information.

“In this case, he is a whistleblower. It is normal for investigators to meet up with whistleblowers to determine if there is a cause to investigate his claims,” he said.

Azam had led a five-man team to see Hamid Sultan in his chambers at the Palace of Justice on Monday.

The meeting at 8.30am lasted around an hour.

He said the judge suggested that a special taskforce and an RCI be set up to probe his claims.

He added that Hamid Sultan, contrary to some news reports, did not refuse to provide information to the commission.

“Dr Hamid said he was more comfortable to give his statement to a special taskforce.

“Never did he refused to give MACC his statement,” he said.

Azam urged those with knowledge of the claims provide the MACC with information, and assured that they would be protected by the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2010.