THE Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has refuted claims that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his sons, and long-time confidante, Tun Daim Zainudin, reported Bloomberg.
In the report, it was also stated that the PMO denied instructing MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki not to investigate alleged share purchases by Anwar’s former political secretary, Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak.
The PMO stressed that MACC operates as an independent body, acting based on complaints received and that the Prime Minister had never issued directives or interfered in its investigations.
Quoting three people familiar with the situation, Bloomberg said Azam told MACC officials that Anwar himself instructed the agency to investigate Dr Mahathir and his sons, as well as Daim, a former finance minister and longtime Dr Mahathir confidante.
The MACC’s Chief Commissioner Office in response said it “operates independently and has the authority to investigate allegations of corruption without seeking permission from anyone, not even from the Prime Minister.”
“This autonomy allows the MACC to act swiftly upon receiving reports or complaints, ensuring a fair and transparent investigative process for all cases, regardless of their prominence,” Azam’s office said in the statement to Bloomberg.
The MACC firmly refutes claims “regarding any instructions from the Prime Minister to influence or obstruct specific investigations,” it said.
Bloomberg also reported that while Anwar's government commands a two-thirds majority in parliament and an election isn’t due until early 2028, coalition partners have a history of jumping ship at opportune moments.
"And he faces a growing electoral threat from Malaysia’s Islamic party, which holds the most seats in parliament and has seen its fortunes rise among the Malay majority," it added. - September 26, 2024
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