Latheefa: It’s not a normal corruption case

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya was present in court yesterday when Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was charged with graft.

She said it was because the case was a “serious one” as it concerned someone who was deputy prime minister at the time the offences were allegedly committed.

She said Zahid was facing 40 new charges in relation to Sistem Visa Luar Negara (VLN), or overseas visa system.

Zahid was charged yesterday with seven counts of graft totalling S$4.24 million (RM12.99 million) involving the VLN system.

“I came today (yesterday) on behalf of MACC to witness the charging (of Zahid). This is a serious matter and it’s not just a normal corruption case as it involves a leader of high rank when the offences occurred.

“It also involves a big amount which gives an impact to the public’s interest. So we are here to make sure everything runs smoothly,” said Latheefa.

Asked about Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd, the company implicated in Zahid’s charges, Latheefa declined to comment.

“Let us leave it to the government. As far as we are concerned right now is that we need to prove that this case happened and to bring the accused to face the court,” she said after the proceedings.

MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said any loopholes in the VLN system would be reported to the Home Ministry.

“MACC’s Inspection and Consultancy Division will send a report as soon as possible to the Home Ministry.

“This is to enable the ministry to take action pertaining to the loopholes and disadvantages in the system and procedure, and how the system is being used in this case.”

Azam said the officials said to be involved in the case would be called up as witnesses.