PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) move in seizing Menara Ilham for investigations proved that law enforcement in the country did not protect corrupt individuals. 

He stressed that all parties needed to understand and allow the investigating body to carry out its duties, which included probing into the affairs of figures who were influential, held titles, and wielded power. 

Anwar said the integrity of the justice and enforcement system could be shown by its boldness in acting against corrupt individuals.  

“Let MACC carry out its duties, regardless of position and status… if not, there will be criticism of only catching the small fish and leaving influential people untouched. 

“Let there be investigations, so that leaders are not seen as being protected by big power. The responsibility of MACC is to carry out its duties and investigate,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Kota Damansara Mosque today.

The prime minister urged people not to have a wrong impression of the government whenever influential figures were investigated.   

“Do not assume that each time there is an investigation on an influential person means we (government) have an ulterior motive; if it involves ordinary people, then it is normal,” he said. 

The notice of seizure on the 60-storey Menara Ilham was dated December 18 and was published in the notification section of a news portal, with the signature of MACC deputy public prosecutor, Ahmad Akram Gharib, yesterday. 

In other developments, the prime minister said the awarding and implementation of the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) project for the toll collection system on the highway was done according to a normal and transparent process.

“It will go through a normal process; there is no basis or whatsoever to assume that the process will go through a negotiated tender. No. 

“It will have to go (through) a proper and transparent process as we have made it clear before,” he said. 

Anwar was commenting on media reports over the “appointment agreement” on awarding the concession for the MLFF toll plaza project, which was signed between the caretaker government and a private company two days before the last general election. 

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, however, recently said the awarding of the project had yet to be finalised. – Bernama, December 22, 2023.