KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must always carry out its duties and responsibilities independently and impartially, including in investigations involving political figures and former national leaders, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this aligned with the role of the MACC in carrying out its tasks based on the principles of justice and the rule of law.
“Those who perceive investigations as politically motivated should look at the facts, not political sentiments to confuse the people.
“If it is clear from the investigation that there is a high-profile case which has strong grounds for prosecution, then it is the responsibility of the MACC and the Attorney General’s Chambers to do so,” he said at the Dewan Negara sitting yesterday.
He said this in reply to Senator A. Kesavadas who wanted to know the extent to which the MACC is committed to investigating all acts of corruption and abuse of power involving former prime ministers.
Meanwhile, Anwar also urged any parties claiming that investigating agencies in the country, including the MACC, are acting on political directives, to come out with evidence to support their allegations.
He said this was because sometimes, actions and decisions taken by the MACC are being politicised by certain parties.
“Look at the facts – if during our tenure, we used our power to award contracts to our family members and cronies, amassing wealth for ourselves, then don’t question why the MACC is investigating, and when the MACC investigates, don’t say it’s a political accusation.
“As members of the House (Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara), we should shoulder the responsibility of saving the country from rampant corruption,” Anwar said in reply to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Dominic Lau, Bernama reported.
Lau had wanted to know the mechanism used by the MACC to ensure its investigations are not influenced by those in power or any politically-motivated directives.
Anwar said the procedures of the MACC were quite clear and if a report was filed, then an investigation would be carried out promptly.
He added that he had requested all enforcement agencies to conduct investigations professionally and without fear.
The Prime Minister also gave his assurance that his government would always take firm action to fight the cancer of corruption in the country.
