(Sept 4): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) refused to state when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would be questioned over the RM2.6 billion he received, even as participants at anti-graft conference it is hosting have called for concrete action.
MACC deputy deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Mustafar Ali refused to answer reporters who asked when Najib would be called in for questioning for the political donations he allegedly received.
After three days at the 16th International Anti Corruption Conference (IACC) in Putrajaya, where global anti-graft activists have questioned Malaysia’s commitment to fighting corruption, Mustafar would only say that the investigation was ongoing.
“No need la ... I have mentioned yesterday that the investigation continues,” Mustafar said to reporters who asked when Najib would be called for questioning.
Among others at IACC, Transparency International's chief Jose Ugaz has said that Najib must satisfactorily answer allegations of wrongdoing involving the donation.
Ugaz had also said that Putrajaya's attempts to interfere with investigations, such as by changing the attorney-general in the midst of a probe and questioning MACC officers, were not actions that a government wanting to fight corruption would take.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) coalition today also said Najib should step down and allow investigations to proceed unhindered.
Previously, MACC when confirming the RM2.6 billion in Najib's accounts as a donation from a Middle Eastern donor, had also said it would ask the prime minister to give an explanation.
The call for action against Najib came from one of the IACC’s co-hosts, Transparency International, whose chairperson Jose Ugaz said that Malaysia’s commitment to tackle corruption could not be taken seriously as long as there was no satisfactory explanation on the RM2.6 billion.
Ugaz, a renown Peruvian anti-graft campaigner, had also said Najib’s case was causing a corruption crisis in Malaysia.
He had even described the case as an example of grand corruption, a particularly pernicious type of fraud that involves people in very high positions, large amounts of money and possible violation of human rights.
Mustafar added that MACC refutes the view that there was a corruption crisis in Malaysia but admitted that the problem existed, and that steps were being taken to combat the scourge.
“Those are their views and concerns and they raised them perhaps they did not have all the facts. We recognise that there is corruption and we are tackling it.
“We are serious in combating it and that is why the conference is being held in Putrajaya to share our experience on how the menace can be tackled,” Mustafar said.
Mustafar considered the conference a success and MACC’s commitment to carrying out its theme, “Ending Impunity”, will be made in a declaration tonight.
“The action plan will be implemented and it will be collaborative effort with Transparency International to bring our commitment to the world level such as the United Nations convention against corruption.” – The Malaysian Insider