ACAB confident of transparent investigation into Melbourne purchase

The Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (ACAB) is confident that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will conduct an independent, transparent and professional investigation into the purchase of a property in Melbourne, Australia.

ACAB said, this is because MACC is constantly intouch with the board to update them (ACAB) with the progress of the investigations, when requested.

“ACAB also believes that the issue of MACC trying to cover up this case does not arise.

“According to MACC Act 2009, MACC is only responsible for conducting investigations. Therefore, it is important for all parties to put confidence in the system and anti-corruption institutions in the country,” the board said in a statement today .

ACAB said this in reference to a statement made by MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull who stated that it was unfair to accuse the commission of trying to cover up the purchase made by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Inc, as claimed by certain quarters.

"Since the issue of the purchase is still under investigation, ACAB hopes that all parties remain patient and give space to MACC to conduct a thorough investigation. Do not issue statements that could mislead the public and affect the image of the commission," said ACAB.

Before this, DAP parliamentary Lim Kit Siang had claimed that MACC had started investigations on the Malaysian government agency’s Melbourne deal since December 2014, while Mohd Shukri maintained that they started investigations only since last March.

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Australian newspaper, The Age, reported that a top MARA officer, senior official and former politician had allegedly spent millions in government funds to buy an apartment block in Melbourne in a property scam.

It alleged that "a group of super-rich Malaysian officials" had overpaid by A$4.75 million (RM13.8 million) for the apartment block in the city in 2013.

The trio had allegedly "overbid" for the building, called Dudley International House, from A$17.8 million to A$22.5 million (RM65.3 million), with the difference pocketed as bribes back home.

The five-storey building located in suburban East Caulfield currently accomodates 115 MARA students studying at Monash University.