PUTRAJAYA, Feb 25: The DAP will push ahead with calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be formed to probe the ‘corporate mafia’ allegations made against the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) by Bloomberg recently, said its National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo.
While the MACC has dismissed these claims as baseless and originating from an anonymous blog, and they have every right to do so, a mere denial on their part alone is insufficient. It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case, Gobind, who is also Minister of Digital said.
“When the integrity of our premier anti-graft agency is questioned, a self issued clearance does not measure up. It in itself, without more, does little to restore public or investor confidence.
“Our position as expressed by Secretary General Anthony Loke on Tuesday is clear,” he said in a statement issued today.
What is required is an impartial and transparent inquiry. The allegations in question are specific. They name individuals, companies and reference identifiable cases. There is sufficient basis for an inquiry to commence and the best option would be for an RCI to be formed as it would be equipped with the necessary statutory powers to conduct a proper and meaningful inquiry into the matter.
Whether the allegations are true or not, and what is to be done thereafter, is a matter for the RCI to decide. This is not about looking for fault or blame on the part of anyone but rather to reaffirm that the MACC remains beyond suspicion and clear of any allegations which impact upon its integrity or credibility, Gobind said.
The allegations have generated significant interest both here and internationally. It is therefore important to ensure that adequate steps are taken to deal with them.
This is also not about undermining the MACC but rather strengthening it instead, making it clear that all agencies entrusted with powers of investigations and enforcement in this country are always subject to inquiry and the rule of law.
Our position therefore remains. There must be an inquiry into the allegations made and that inquiry ought to be by way of an RCI equipped with all those powers necessary to ensure an effective and transparent probe into the matter and this must be done as soon as possible.
— WE