THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is not being used by Putrajaya against Bersatu, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

The premier said he had never directed the anti-graft agency to act against the party. 

He noted that enforcement agencies were free to investigate any party or organisation, and were independent under his administration. 

 “We did not ask for the MACC to act against Bersatu, nor any individuals. They are free to investigate.” 

He said two things had happened since he took office, which may have triggered MACC to act. 

“Firstly, reports were made to the police and MACC on the use of funds by Bersatu.  

“Secondly, in carrying out my job at the finance ministry, I found projects that involved high expenditures that did not go through a tender process. 

 “These are projects (awarded) that ran during the movement control order, and flood mitigation projects. I found that the costs were too high, so I revealed that information,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya today. 

Anwar said he wanted agencies to be proactive and efficient and act fast if there were complaints and cases against any group or organisation. 

“This is because the thrust of this administration is good governance with an aim to rid the country of power abuse and corruption,” he said  

Yesterday, MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed that Bersatu’s accounts had been frozen under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. 

Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin accused the government of using MACC as a political tool. 

He asserted that it was a move to destroy the credibility of the party and Perikatan Nasional ahead of the six state assembly elections this year. 

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin previously denied allegations that his government had misappropriated RM92.5 billion of Covid emergency funding when he was prime minister. – February 2, 2023.