PM does not interfere in MACC probes, Dzulkifli assures all

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak does not interfere in investigations conducted by the body.

Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad said since he took office in 2016, he had not received any call “or held secret meetings” with the prime minister.

“As such, talk that I am influenced by anyone is baseless. I have been on my own strategising action to combat corruption.

“No ministers intervened, despite the perception that I am being coerced or influenced by them in the course of MACC’s investigations,” Dzulkifli said in a dialogue session with Umno Overseas Students Bureau Club members yesterday.

He pledged to drag the corrupt to court, adding that this would be done weekly depending on the Attorney-General’s prerogative.

“I will make sure someone is charged in court and throw the book at them every week. MACC has been consistent on this,” he said.

“I do not care who is being charged. I want to put the fear in those involved in corrupt practices.”

Earlier at the Millennials Empowerment Summit, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the MACC should also investigate the private sector and state governments.

The Deputy Prime Minister said investigations should be done across the board, and not just on the public sector.

“Where there are takers, there must be givers. In most cases, the takers end up getting arrested while the givers get off scot-free. This is unfair,” he said, adding that both giver and taker of bribes should be given equal treatment.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said the MACC should look into the destruction of permanent forest reserves by state governments.

“This is important as we need to preserve the environment for future generations,” he said.