PASIR Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim has called for a thorough, ethical, and professional investigation into the former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
He raised concerns over the handling of the case by the anti-graft agency, questioning its methods and the public disclosure of evidence before the completion of the investigation.
In a statement, Hassan, who previously served on the Parliamentary Special Committee on Corruption overseeing MACC’s operations, expressed uneaseness over the agency’s approach to the investigation.
He suggested that due process could have been compromised, particularly in relation to the handling and presentation of evidence.
"Typically, evidence is revealed during court proceedings," Hassan pointed out. "However, in this case, key evidence has already been publicly displayed at a press conference, despite the investigation being incomplete. What is the purpose of this?" he questioned.
Hassan also noted that the investigation papers had yet to be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers, yet Ismail Sabri had already faced media scrutiny. This raised further concerns about the process, as public exposure of evidence could undermine the integrity of the investigation.
While reaffirming his full support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to tackling corruption, Hassan stressed that it was essential for MACC to operate within the bounds of professionalism and the law.
"As someone who has served on the committee, I have full confidence in MACC’s capabilities," Hassan said. "However, in this case, it is clear that there have been breaches of professional ethics by an enforcement agency."
Hassan urged MACC to focus on its core investigative responsibilities and leave the prosecution process to the Attorney General’s Chambers. He emphasised that MACC must not overstep its role by acting as a prosecutor, as this is outside of its jurisdiction.
"In our collective effort to combat corruption, MACC must ensure that it does not exceed its mandate," he added. - March 23, 2025
