MACC: Release may compromise case

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is concerned that the High Court’s decision to release Penang exco member Phee Boon Poh from a remand order may put crucial evidence related to the case at risk of being tampered.

A source said MACC had received numerous complaints and reports from the public since 2015 on alleged pollution caused by the factory.

It was learnt that the commission had initially directed the complaints to the local municipal council and other enforcement agencies.

“At one point, when no action against the factory was seen, the public even accused MACC of being on the take and turning a blind eye to the factory’s activities. The public outcry has been immense since 2015.

“Two weeks ago, the commission’s investigators, with evidence in hand, went to work. When suspected elements of corruption and power abuse were found, the commission’s investigators moved in and carried out the arrests on Saturday.

“A remand order is not so easy to obtain as there are procedural requirements to fulfil before it is issued. If remand orders get overturned like this, it can thwart investigations and destroy a case that might otherwise stick,” added the source.

In a related development, Penang MACC officers said they had not been able to contact Phee since 4pm yesterday.

MACC was trying to reach him to return his MyKad that was in its possession following his arrest. “Perhaps he is afraid of being rearrested, but we are only trying to return his MyKad.” – by Charles Ramendran