KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should be allowed to probe anyone regardless of their position, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Otherwise, the commission will be criticised for allegedly targeting only “small fishes” over corruption offences, he said.
“That is why I have said whether it’s a Tun or Tan Sri, (they should be probed),” said Anwar.
He also said it was crucial to avoid public perception that influential individuals are protected or above the law.
“This is an open secret, where a person has amassed extraordinary wealth. Let there be a probe so leaders will not be seen as protecting the corrupt,” Anwar told reporters when met at the Kota Damansara mosque yesterday after Friday prayers.
Anwar, who had been asked about the seizure of Menara Ilham that is owned by the family of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, said Malaysians should stop all speculations.
He said it was MACC’s duty to investigate and they have to be brave in taking action against the corrupt, even if it involves an influential leader.
There should be no claims of conspiracy whenever we “touch” an influential person, he said.
“We are not representing a broken system and our system must be seen to take brave action. Whether or not (the allegations) are true, let the process take place and the judiciary decide,” said Anwar
On Thursday night, it was reported that the MACC seized Menara Ilham under Section 38(1) of the MACC Act. The anti-graft agency seized the tower after it found an offence under the MACC Act 2009.
