THE Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) must investigate Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over his offer of financial aid in return for votes in Terengganu, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said today.

The graft watchdog said the investigation is needed to determine if election offences were indeed committed.

C4 said if no investigation is forthcoming, the MACC must explain why it didn’t address a potential offence within its statutory mandate.

C4 was referring to Zahid’s widely reported remarks to Terengganu youth groups, in which he sought their support in return for federal funding.

On July 28, Zahid, who is rural and regional development minister, announced certain federal allocations to Terengganu youth groups, wherein he said the amounts may be increased depending on Terengganu polls results.

Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional are trying to wrest Terengganu from Perikatan Nasional.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended Zahid’s speech, saying the allocations were planned prior to the incident.

Anwar said there would not be misuse of funds while campaigning.

MACC chief Azam Baki said Zahid had not committed an offence as the grants were approved by the federal government, and therefore were not bribery.

Azam said there is no need to issue new guidelines to govern the provision of federal aid during elections as the Election Offences Act 1954 (EOA) is sufficiently clear and stringent.

C4 however said section 10 of the EOA covers the “corrupt practice” of bribery and includes the offer of any money or valuable consideration for any voter.

“Given that credible information on Zahid’s announcement has been widely reported, specifically mentioning the potential for an increased amount of funding to particular youth groups depending on the results of the election, it is incumbent upon the MACC to, at the very least, initiate probes into the alleged offence.

“Azam’s assertion that allocations approved by the federal government have no element of bribery does not have any legal basis.

“If the MACC itself, which has been tasked with the responsibility of investigating corrupt practices under the EOA, refuses to take action when a potential instance of election bribery has occurred, who else can be relied upon to enforce the act?” asked C4.

C4 accused Azam of misreading the law as he said Zahid’s actions did not contravene any law without even inquiring into the matter.

“It is highly disappointing that Anwar also sees no error in his deputy’s behaviour.

“His bare assertion that the cabinet had decided public funds would not be used for election campaigning is meaningless when cabinet members seem to be allowed to do so anyway with no repercussions.”

C4 urged immediate reforms to ensure the independence of the MACC, including the immediate replacement of Azam as chief. – August 3, 2023.