PUTRAJAYA, Sept 4 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has suspended the use of the orange garb for people under investigation who are brought to court for remand applications, with immediate effect.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the move is in response to recent developments and current recommendations on procedures for handling people under investigation, particularly when they are brought to court.

“Individuals under investigation may wear their own clothes when brought to court, while lockup attire will only be required while they are being held in detention,” he said in a statement today.

He said the use of handcuffs would depend on the circumstances, with exemptions for the individuals concerned who are frail, people with disabilities and the elderly.

However, he said the MACC will continue to take precautionary measures and ensure appropriate security controls are in place throughout the handling of those under investigation.

“The MACC remains committed to ensuring that all procedures involving individuals under investigation are conducted professionally, with integrity and due care, and in line with the law and established procedures,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have said today that people detained by the MACC who fully co-operate with an investigation should not be required to wear the orange clothing when brought to court before they are formally charged.

He said the measure should be considered to avoid negative public perceptions of those involved, given that investigations are still ongoing and no charges have been brought against them.

“Yesterday, I also told the Cabinet that orange clothing would not be required before prosecution or before individuals were brought to court and formally charged,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Bukit Indah in Ampang Jaya today. — Bernama