Let MACC carry out probe on Penang councillor — LDP
KOTA KINABALU: Democratic Action Party (DAP) should allow the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conduct its independent investigation into Penang state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh for alleged corrupt practices instead of claiming that the latter’s arrest was fuelled by political persecution in the party’s attempt to extricate its leader from the allegations.
“All the clamour against the investigation on Phee is unnecessary, given that the MACC is still conducting its probe into this matter and the case has not been tried in court yet,” said Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Central Youth secretary David Ong.
Since the Penang state government led by its Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had signed the Corruption-Free Pledge last week, Ong said DAP should respect and trust the investigation procedure of MACC.
“When former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo was nabbed by MACC several years ago over his bungalow unit that was purchased at undervalued price, he never claimed that his arrest was due to political persecution.
“Instead, he allowed the MACC to complete its investigation. If Mohamad Khir can respect MACC’s investigation, why not the Penang executive councillor?”
Ong said DAP had always distrusted the MACC and justice system in the country.
“Based on observations, DAP will claim that justice prevails whenever its members are found not guilty by the court.
“When the court rules against DAP, the party will claim that the justice system is biased.”
Ong said any individual was presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
He said DAP should allow the police or MACC to conduct their investigation or collect evidence, rather than affecting the work of enforcement officers with their repeated claims of political persecution.
He said LDP also supported MACC to carry out its investigation against former Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.
“If Mohd Isa is found to be involved in corrupt practices, he should face legal action as well because every individual is equal before the law.”
Ong said politicians should realize the importance of integrity.
Hence, he said LDP fully backed the Corruption-Free Pledge initiated by the MACC and was heartened to see that the State Government as well as its departments and agencies had voluntarily signed the pledge.
“If the opposition claim that they have more integrity than anyone else, they should cooperate with MACC in its investigation to show their commitment in antigraft measures.
“If Phee is truly innocent, I believe MACC will prove that in their investigation without DAP’s protest.”