‘Stop using MACC as a political tool’

“Just because there is a complaint does not mean there is a case”

(The Star) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will not be used as a political tool, says its chief commissioner Latheefa Koya.

“For a long time, MACC was used as a political tool, with people lodging reports just to get back at each other. We strive to be professional and we do not want to be used for this purpose. We are going to investigate if a report has basis.

“Just because there is a complaint does not mean there is a case,” Latheefa told reporters after paying a call on Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal yesterday.

She was asked about a recent statement by Sabah Opposition leader Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan who called for corruption case involving Shafie, who was questioned by MACC in 2017, to be reviewed.

“Nothing stops just because someone comes to power. We only stop if the case does not go beyond the initial complaint,” said Latheefa.

She reminded the people that there were instances of politically-motivated reports being lodged.

“Of course, we will look back at the basis of the report,” she said.

She also said there were times when someone made a report to MACC just to tell the media that “I have done it”.

“If the Opposition feels that we do not look into their cases, maybe they have to look back at the way they made their complaint – was it with substance, was it just a complaint, did they just make a statement in the media or did they immediately come to us with information?