MCW calls for transparent, independent probe into RM350,000 case

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) has called for an independent, comprehensive and transparent reinvestigation into allegations that a senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer received RM350,000, stressing that the probe must be free from conflicts of interest.

MCW president Jais Abdul Karim said the organisation welcomed MACC's formation of a special team to reinvestigate the case, but stressed that its task must go beyond reviewing the old investigation papers.

He said MACC's disclosure that the case was closed in 2018 due to a lack of evidence had raised questions about the credibility of the original investigation.

"This admission raises very important questions. The public has the right to know the actual scope of the investigation conducted in 2018.

"What evidence was examined and, most importantly, what was the basis for closing the case, which now has to be reopened?" he said.

Jais said the special team should also examine the possibility of charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code, rather than limiting its investigation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

"Section 165 provides for punishment of public servants who obtain valuable items without adequate consideration from individuals connected to their official duties.

"It is a stringent provision that does not require direct proof of corrupt intent," he said.

To ensure that those overseeing the investigation were also held accountable, Jais proposed involving an independent external oversight mechanism in the process.

He said the principle of justice must be upheld and no individual should be convicted through a trial on social media.

"If no wrongdoing is established, the individual's name must be cleared transparently.

"But if there is evidence of criminal misconduct, action must be taken without compromise or protection.

"MACC must uphold the principle of being 'whiter than white' — not only being clean, but also being seen to be clean, independent and with integrity," he said.

Yesterday, MACC formed a special team to investigate and review an old allegation involving the receipt of RM350,000 linked to one of its senior officers.

The case was initially investigated in 2018, but the investigation papers were closed after investigators found that no elements of a corruption offence could be established at the time.

However, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman ordered the investigation to be reopened following renewed attention to the allegation, which recently went viral and sparked discussion on social media.