MACC free to conduct investigation against any individual - Azalina

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is an independent body and is free to conduct investigation against any individuals, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said it was part of the process in the country's legal system where those under investigation are not guilty until proven so and are sentenced for the offence.

"To me, it is a normal matter. MACC, as an independent body has the right to investigate," she said when met at the presentation of contributions at the Gabungan Pergerakan Wanita (GPW) Felda Air Tawar 5 building here today.

She said this when asked for her comment on the recent arrest of a son and a special officer to a Johor government official for alleged involvement in a corruption scandal involving real estate in Johor.

On the arrest by MACC, she said it showed MACC was an independent and professional body.

"To me, if we know we did no wrong, we defend ourselves. Anyone who is being investigated and charged has the right for defence. If convicted, we have the right to appeal," she added. - BERNAMA