THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must come clean and explain why there is still no action on 10 cases of corruption involving ministers, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

“MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s assurances of no political interference in high-profile corruption cases ring hollow, and cannot help to preserve its good name and integrity, if no action was taken against the ‘minister cartel’ comprising top Perikatan Nasional (PN) government leaders,” he said in a statement today.

The Bagan lawmaker said although the MACC had acted decisively against the “contract cartel”, which monopolised a total of 354 tenders from several ministries and government agencies, estimated at RM3.8 billion, it had failed to do so in the case of the “minister cartel”.

“MACC has failed to act decisively against the ‘minister cartel’ to dispel the deep public suspicion, which was expressed by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim that MACC has been weaponised, as a political tool against opposition leaders to serve the PN government.”

Last month, the MACC said allegations that it was being used by PN as a tool to get lawmakers to switch camps was “unfounded and irresponsible”.

The agency added that the accusations may tarnish the reputation of MACC and create a negative perception of the commission.

Lim cited his own case where he was charged for corruption involving the RM6.3 billion Penang undersea tunnel, where the MACC could not produce hard evidence of him soliciting bribes.

“Action was taken against me immediately after PN won power, and corruption charges were filed even though MACC knew there was no such cash or monies in my bank account.

“In an era where audio conversations can be secretly and illegally recorded, MACC could not produce any audio or video recording of me soliciting corruption,” he said.

He added that with its non-action against ministers showing a clear abuse of power, the MACC can no longer be viewed as impartial.

“Under the PN government, MACC is no longer seen to be an impartial, independent and professional organisation battling corruption at the highest levels, without fear or favour against the ‘minister cartel’.”

MACC’s non-action, Lim said, could also cause Malaysia’s ranking in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (CPI) to decline further.

“Malaysia’s rankings in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (CPI) declined from 51st in 2019 to 57th in 2020. Failing to do their duty professionally and responsibly will only cause Malaysia’s CPI rankings to slip down further this year,” he said.

The 10 cases where no action or investigation has been conducted by the MACC are:

1. Audio recording of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin offering political posts and positions in government-linked corporations (GLC) in exchange for political support.

2. Tebrau MP Steven Chong admitted that he was offered an official position if he defected. In February, Chong left PKR and pledged support for Muhyiddin.

3. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rina Harun’s RM1.3 million bankruptcy settlement. In November 2019, she declared assets worth RM72,000 with a monthly income of RM34,000. She has refused to explain her source of wealth.

4. Former Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal’s allegation that the leader of the previous Sabah state government had awarded over 283,000 ha of forest reserve land under Yayasan Sabah or Sabah Foundation to “friends and family”.

5. Deputy Defence Minister Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, writing a letter of recommendation for his own son to be appointed as a director of Pharmaniaga, a company under the oversight and authority of the Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had agreed to his deputy’s recommendation.

6. Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa writing a letter of support endorsing a contractor’s bid to be awarded a huge highway project in Kelantan via direct negotiation.

7. Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal promised to leverage on his public post to issue support letters in exchange for votes in the Bersatu Youth election. 

8. Former transport minister Liow Tiong Lai had granted a RM149.5 million contract by direct award to a company partly owned (25%) by the current Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodity Wee Jeck Seng.

9. Allegations by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador of a cartel of corrupt police officers, including a former IGP, on the payroll of crime syndicates.

10. Granting of federal government contracts to office bearers of Bersatu at a Bersatu political meeting. – April 13, 2021.