IT was the investigating officer (IO) who decided that Najib Razak be spared from wearing the orange lock-up garb and handcuffs when the former prime minister was brought to court earlier this week, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief Azam Baki.
“That decision was at the discretion of the IO who had to decide whether the accused posed a risk or not,” said Azam, in responding to a listener from Kota Kinabalu in a radio talk show this morning.
“Many were told to wear the orange suit. Many were also exempted from it. Some were handcuffed, while others were not. It is up to the investigating officer to decide.
“Usually, an accused will be handcuffed and ordered to wear the orange shirt if he potentially posed a risk or threat. Sometimes, an accused wore the shirt but was not cuffed, or the other way around.”
Azam said MACC was consulting with some parties on this issue, which was also raised by civil society groups, the Bar Council and the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).
“Other law enforcement agencies like the police and customs should be involved, too, not just MACC.”
The orange MACC lockup shirt had become an issue, with many on social media questioning why Najib was not made to wear it unlike other politicians arrested over alleged corruption.
Najib is currently facing 32 charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal and the RM2.6 billion “donation” deposited into his personal bank account.
On Thursday, he was slapped with four counts of corruption under the MACC Act and another 21 charges for alleged money laundering.
On August 8, the former prime minister was charged with three counts of money laundering in relation to a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
On July 4, Najib was slapped with three counts of criminal breach of trust and one count of using his position for gratification.
Akmal Hafiz on Facebook asked MACC why the accused did not wear the “orange shirt” like other people produced before the court.
He posted a photo of Najib in his suit and Sabah chief minister Shafie Apdal in the orange MACC lock-up shirt.
Shafie, who was sacked by Najib from the cabinet in 2015 for questioning him over the 1MDB scandal, was arrested by MACC in October last year during investigations into the alleged skimming of RM1.5 billion meant for rural development projects.
At the time, Shafie was in the opposition, leading the Sabah-based Parti Warisan Sabah, which would wrest the state from Umno during the 14th general election. β September 22, 2018.
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Comments
A renowned Woman Lawyer was handcuffed; and she and wore that orange garb.
Proudly, I must add.
What Threat was this Noble Woman, who has always stood by the Oppressed and Voiceless ones?
Posted 7 years ago by David Loo · Reply
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Posted 7 years ago by CHEE Meng Ng · Reply
These are the people hampering the present governments administration - as constantly mention by Dr M. These people must be removed from the present civil administration for PH to perform efficiently. These issues are major concerns of Dr M and the present government - the remnants of Najibs administration.
As for the IO from MACC- obviously he sympathises with Najib but again practising double standards when Shafie Apdal was forced to wear MACCs orange garb.
Lets monitor what happens or how the authorities treat Najib when he is charged or brought to court the next time..
The press should interview the IO of MACC For his comments..
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