Macc Irb Deny Being Used As Political Weapons

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The MACC has denied allegations that it was being used as a "political weapon".

Likewise, the Inland Revenue Board also denied any bias in auditing politicians.
This came amid claims that the graft busters and tax board played a role in causing party defections. 
"The MACC firmly emphasises that it is an independent investigation agency that always ensures its actions are done according to the law without political leanings.
"The accusations are unfounded and irresponsible which may tarnish the reputation of MACC and create a negative perception of the commission," said the MACC in a statement today.

Meanwhile the IRB said it carried out its duties "without fear or favour".

"Any audits or investigations by the IRB towards any individuals, including politicians, is to ensure compliance with tax laws," they said in a statement.
Yesterday, Pakatan Harapan's top three leaders issued a joint statement accusing the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government of abusing federal agencies to "pressure" opposition politicians into switching sides.
"The Harapan presidential council has been informed of a series of actions by agencies including the MACC, Inland Revenue Board, and police on opposition MPs, their officers, and even their family members.
"As of now, we understand that these actions continue to persist along with pressure applied onto opposition MPs to declare their support for (Prime Minister) Muhyiddin (Yassin)," they claimed.

Tebrau MP Steven Choong (left) and Julau MP Larry Sng
Harapan claimed that such victims of these tactics include DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Julau MP Larry Sng, and Tebrau MP Steven Choong.
Sng and Choong switched allegiance to support the PN government on Feb 28.
The MACC recently arrested a Perak PKR leader who is believed to be linked to Xavier. The detainee was alleged to have received kickbacks for government projects in 2019.

In a separate statement today, Choong denied being pressured to defect, and that Harapan's claims were "blatantly untrue".
"I hereby categorically state that I am not under any pressure whatsoever to give my support to our prime minister nor have the various enforcement bodies been in touch with me for any investigation purpose.
"I left Harapan because I have totally lost confidence in the leadership of Harapan and do wish to be able to do more for the country generally and my constituency specifically," he said.

He added that Harapan should stop making irresponsible allegations and focus on constructive matters. - Mkini

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