Better To Close Macc Than Probe Based On Public Opinion Azam Tells Critics

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MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has hit back at the agency's critics for trying to determine the direction of its investigations in high-profile cases.
This came after certain quarters recently pushed for the graftbusters to include Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in its corruption probe against her former political aides.
Expressing his frustration, Azam said investigators decide who to call up for questioning based on their findings during the investigation and not based on public perception.
"If we have to follow everything that people say on social media, then better just close down MACC.
"Who are you to tell us who to summon and such? Why should we listen to people who do not even know head or tail about the investigations?
"I can't reveal everything that we find in our investigation, but some people like to jump to conclusions,” he told Malaysiakini, urging the public not to do so.
"We decide on who to call based on what is needed in our probes. We don't care if it is Kok or whoever, we will call or investigate anyone based on the law," he stressed.
Earlier this month, it was reported that MACC had arrested two of Kok’s former staff who had previously managed finances and constituency funds at her service centre before resigning last year.
Seputeh MP Teresa KokThey were remanded as part of investigations into alleged bribes in the supply of interactive smart boards for several schools in Kuala Lumpur.
Kok had since distanced herself from the case, including issuing a statement saying that she had nothing to do with the arrests.
Following this, several quarters raised questions on why MACC was not investigating the DAP leader along with her former officers.
Among them include Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) president Ibrahim Ali who believed Kok had committed an offence under the MACC Act when she failed to report her former officers to the authority.
Ismail back at MACC after Raya
On the Keluarga Malaysia case, Azam said former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be summoned for further questioning after the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
The Bera MP had been a frequent visitor to the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya this month to answer investigators' questions regarding alleged corruption linked to the Keluarga Malaysia government project.
Ex-PM Ismail Sabri YaakobAccording to Azam, MACC had asked Ismail Sabri to submit documents that investigators need for the case.
"We are waiting for him to furnish the documents, and after that we will summon him for further interviews.
"He is expected to surrender the documents as soon as possible after Hari Raya," he said.
Azam however was tightlipped when asked to elaborate on the documents.
MACC is also expected to call up more witnesses to facilitate the probe, he added.
RM170m, 16kg gold bar discovery
On March 3, Azam announced that Ismail Sabri was a suspect in the investigation following the discovery of about RM170 million in various currencies in a safe house.
Azam Baki (second left) with the items seized during the raid in the Keluarga Malaysia probeAlso seized were 16kg of gold bars estimated to be worth almost RM7 million.
The MACC also froze 13 bank accounts containing over RM2 million to assist in the investigation.
The focus of the investigation is on the expenditure and acquisition of funds for the Keluarga Malaysia campaign as part of promotional and publicity purposes while he was leading the country. - Mkini

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