MACC not expecting to charge others in Lim’s case

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not expect to charge more individuals in relation to cases involving former finance minister Lim Guan Eng.

“As far as I know, that is all the individuals who will be charged,” said MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki.

He was responding to queries if there will be others who will be charged in relation to cases involving Lim.

Lim, who is former Penang chief minister, pleaded not guilty to a charge of abuse of power yesterday.

He was charged alongside his wife Betty Chew Gek Cheng and businesswoman Phang Li Koon.

He is also facing charges involving Penang undersea tunnel project.

The MACC has brushed off claims by Lim of unfair treatment.

“I don’t want comment to about his (Lim) claim of unfair treatment by the MACC but we have always been professional and transparent in our work,” he said after launching the MACC PUBG mobile i-challenge.

On claims by Lim that he had to wear the the orange remand outfit while spending the night at the MACC lock-up, Azam said this matter was under the discretion of investigating officers and officers in charge of the lock-up.

“I have said it many times, this is under their discretion,” he said.

To another question, Azam acknowledged that complaints of authorities protecting illegal businesses such as prostitution houses and illegal gambling dens was “rampant”.

“We need the public to not just lodge complaints but also be willing to come forward to testify and provide us with proof.

“This is the challenge when we are investigating such cases. The MACC is also working closely with the police on such cases,” he said.

Azam also did not rule out the possibility of more arrests of enforcement personnel believed to be involved in protecting illegal businesses in Sungai Buloh.

He said if investigations on the matter warrants more arrests, his men would do so, adding that to date, three arrests were made.

“Whoever is involved we will investigate, doesn’t matter which enforcement agency,” he said.