MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassimm (L) and Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Datuk
Paul Low launch a book entitled "Reforming Political Financing in Malaysia" at Eastin Hotel, PJ today. Sunpix: Sharil Amin
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had received complaints on money politics during the recently concluded Sibu and Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat by-elections, said its chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed.
"We will investigate all the complaints on money politics and whatever related to corruption in the two by-elections," he said after launching a book titled "Reforming Political Financing in Malaysia" published by Transparency-International Malaysia, here, today.
MACC investigations division director Commissioner Mustafar Ali said they had received complaints from several parites.
"We have received complaints from both parties, not only from the government but the opposition too, so we are still investigating," he said at the launch.
" The nature of the complaints were about the statements made by the prime minister in reference to RM3 million community aid in Hulu Selangor, and the RM5 million in Sibu. Let us carry out our investigation first before we let the public know the outcome," added Mustafar.
"MACC is colour blind. So whenever we receive information, we will take action. Whether or not there is a case to be heard in court, we leave that decision to the Attorney-General's Chambers. The deputy public prosecutors will decide," he said adding that all relevant witnesses will be called to give their statements.
Also present at the launch today was TI-M president Datuk Paul Low and former president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.
On another matter, Abu Kassim welcomed the recent decision by the Federal Court in upholding the Court of Appeal's ruling allowing MACC to continue with its practice of questioning witnesses past office hours.
He said after hours questioning was essential for the MACC in completing its investigations quickly and obtaining evidence.
Kajang municipal councillor Tan Boon Wah had filed suit against the MACC, claiming that his detention and questioning overnight for 16 hours on July 15 last year was unlawful.
The High Court ruled in his favour on Nov 19 last year, but it was overturned by the Court of Appeal on Dec 17
