MACC 'free from interference'

All investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) are free of interference, said its Operation Review Panel (PPO) chairman Tan Sri Dr Hadenan Abdul Abdul Jalil.

He said even Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz could not interfere in investigations by the MACC as the results were submitted to the PPO for its views.

"The minister only answers questions on corruption or MACC submitted in parliament based on information furnished by MACC," he told Bernama today.

He said the PPO was one of five independent panels set up by MACC three years ago after allegations were hurled that the MACC was not independent and cases were arbitarily closed.

The PPO, which comprises professionals with integrity, was empowered to decide whether a case could be closed or otherwise, he said.

"We are not influenced by any party. I have always said this panel is independent.

"In the past three years, we have made decisions which sometimes did not agree with suggestions by the MACC and also the Attorney-General to close the files on certain cases. Nobody, not a minister or the prime minister has influenced the panel to decide if a case is to be closed or not," he said.

He said the fact was, PPO never faced issues of outside interference in its three years of operation.

In tackling corruption in Malaysia, Dr Hadenan said a lot depended on correcting perception of alleged outside interference.

"So, I hope those with wrong perceptions on its role, will correct them as we are independent," he said.

Referring to the tendency of the opposition to politicise issues on corruption, he urged all quarters to cease and desist, as efforts to combat corruption not only demanded hard work from the MACC but also the commitment of the people, politicians and non-governmental organisations.

"Only one party cannot be held fully responsible for fighting corruption. Politicians also have a role, so too the people.

"If we want to overcome corruption related issues...if everyone saw things correctly, have no hidden agendas and misperceptions, I feel it will be easier for the MACC to carry out its work," he added.