KUALA LUMPUR (March 10): Both the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have come out to deny that there is any interference in investigations into Jana Wibawa and that prosecutions were politically motivated.
The AGC said in a statement on Friday that the decision made against any individuals are based on evidence and facts resulting from investigation, and not at the insistence of any other party or factor.
“The decision was made fairly based on the evidence in the investigation paper, not in favour of anyone based on the core integrity to ensure that the victims, witnesses, the accused and the public obtain appropriate justice in accordance with the jurisdiction of the AG provided under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution,” the statement read.
The AGC denied the accusation on the existence of persecution, politically-motivated and selective prosecution against any individuals that have conducted wrongdoings under any provisions of the law.
“As long as there is strong evidence and facts that any individuals that have conducted wrongdoings under any provisions of the law, such individuals will be prosecuted based on the provision of the law without consideration into status and background,” said the AGC.
MACC also issued a media release on Friday to reiterate that the investigation into several individuals linked to the Jana Wibawa programme is an initiative based on information and evidence obtained by the commission itself.
“The investigation papers that have been completed are then referred to the Attorney General's Department for proper study and consideration. This investigation process is free from any interference from other parties,” it said.
Therefore, MACC said the accusation that its investigation was ordered by certain parties and was politically motivated is not true and has damaged the anti-graft agency’s image.
Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was under investigation in relation to the Jana Wibawa programme and was charged in the Sessions Court on Friday for allegedly abusing his power to provide tax amnesty for tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary.
Apart from Muhyiddin, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and businessman Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad were also charged in the Sessions Court last month for allegedly soliciting bribes under the Jana Wibawa programme, which was established to award contracts to Bumiputera contractors.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had repeatedly said on various occasions that he did not give instructions for these prosecutions.