Nazir Razak backs MACC after transfer of officers
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, the brother of the prime minister, is backing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after two of its senior officers were suddenly transferred to the Prime Minister’s Department.
In a posting on photo sharing site Instagram, the prominent banker posted a picture comprising senior MACC officials.
They are MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, special operations division director Datuk Bahri Mohamad Zin, strategic communications director Datuk Rohaizad Yaakob and MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull.
The CIMB chairman wrote: “A few good men. Protect their institution, MACC. Allow & encourage them carry out their duties without fear or favour.”
Bahri and Rohaizad’s transfer came after the police visited the MACC headquarters in their investigation to find the source behind the leak of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) probe.
It is understood that Bahri and Rohaizad were transferred with immediate effect for their “hard hitting” statements following the police raids.
The move had been criticised by Shukri, who immediately offered himself as a trade-off.
Seven MACC officers have been questioned by police and the agency’s special operations division raided as part of the police probe into alleged leaks of information on 1MDB.
MACC is suspected of having leaked official information on the probe, which Bahri has denied.
Meanwhile, an association representing pensioned officers from MACC said the transfer of two officials to the Prime Minister’s’ Department was inappropriate and must be reversed.
The Association of Former Officers of the MACC yesterday also expressed agreement with Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who on Friday said the transfers were disappointing and a form of intimidation against the agency.
“The association, as such, wants the decision to transfer the two directors involved to the Prime Minister’s Department to be withdrawn and cancelled immediately to avoid negative and unhealthy perception towards the government.
“It is also hoped that no parties opportunistically muddy the situation or add pressure. We must allow space for MACC officers to perform their duties freely and professionally,” Datuk Razak Idris, the president of the association, said in a statement.
He also called for bail to be granted to two MACC officers who are in police custody, following the Inspector-General of Police’s announcement that the investigation against the commission’s men will be halted for the time being to avoid controversy.
Razak further pressed for the government to introduce the proposed service commission for MACC officers, saying that this was now needed to ensure the independence of the agency’s men.