KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27—The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission today said it was not at liberty to identify the parties who deposited RM2.6 billion into Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s accounts as the law does not permit the revelation of such details.
Responding to PKR MP Rafizi Ramli’s call for the agency to name the people behind the controversial deposit, it said the Pandan lawmaker should be aware of the legal constraints imposed upon by the MACC Act 2009.
It added that if Rafizi were adamant that the MACC must name the parties involved, the federal lawmaker should propose amendments to the Act that would allow the commission to reveal the identities of the donors.
“The MACC has no problems revealing the details of its investigations if this did not violate the law. However, the existing provisions do not allow the MACC to do so,” it said in a statement today.
The MACC also responded to reports based on a blog entry by former New Straits Times group chief editor Datuk A. Kadir Jasin that the commission’s proclamations of independence were only meant to ward off suspicions, insisting that its investigation was conducted professionally and free of influence.
It added that MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed has mandated that investigators register their recommendations regardless of their findings, which will then be presented to the Attorney-General for further action.
“The senior management of the MACC is of the position that it is important that all parties know that the MACC has taken all its actions professionally and independently,” it added.
The MACC is investigating the RM2.6 billion deposited into Najib’s accounts ahead of Election 2013 as well as SRC International, a former 1Malaysia Development Bhd subsidiary, over a RM4 billion bond obtained from Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP).
Najib provided his statement to the MACC earlier this month, and the commission categorised the prime minister as “co-operating well” during the interview.
It also said it has met with the Middle Eastern donors of the RM2.6 billion, but stated then that it could not disclose their identities.
