THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will first examine in detail the graft allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad before investigations could be launched.

Deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki said there were numerous allegations against the “wealth” of certain parties, and MACC must first determine whether there were elements of corruption involved.

“Accusing someone of being wealthy does not necessarily mean the wealth is ill-gotten gains. That’s all I have to say for now.

“If anyone asks that an investigation into a wealthy individual be carried out, MACC has to examine the details first to determine whether that are grounds for a probe,” he told reporters after an Anti-Corruption Pledge event at the Immigration Department in Putrajaya today.

Dr Mahathir has accused Zahid of having RM230 million in his account when the latter was Umno Youth chief in 1996.

Zahid, who has said he is open to being investigated by MACC, has urged the agency to probe into the former prime minister, who held the post for 22 years.

On Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz’s statement that MACC should investigate the wealth of Dr Mahathir and his family, Azam said: “The same rule applies. The commission will first have to determine the validity of the allegations made, whether there are elements of corruption in the procurement of wealth

“MACC operates only within its power, as to act outside its jurisdiction would be an offence.

“This is key for agencies like us in carrying out investigations.” – August 8, 2017.