MACC panels urges for investigation without interference

PETALING JAYA: The independent oversight panels of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has urged for the on-going investigation on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) to be conducted in an independent and transparent manner.
The panels said the Task Force comprising the Attorney-General's Chambers, the Police, Bank Negara Malaysia and the MACC must be given the widest possible latitude to investigatie without fear or favour.
The five panels are led by their chairmen Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang (Special Committee on Corruption), Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim (Anti-Corruption Advisory Board), Tan Sri Hamid Bugo (Operations Review Panel), Tan Sri Wilson Baya Dandot (Complaints Committee) and Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar (Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel).
"In this matter, we strongly feel that it is highly pertinent to ensure that the integrity of the MACC as an independent anti-corruption commission be maintained and not compromised.
"The panels assure the public that the MACC will facilitate and expedite an independent, transparent and professional investigation without pressure and intervention from any party," according to a joint statement issued by the panels yesterday.
The panels were also unanimous in calling for a thorough investigation and for the findings to be made public the soonest possible.
"It is important for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to make public the findings of the Auditor General's report on 1MDB as soon as possible.
"By the same token, all other reports on investigations by the other enforcement agencies must also be made public, to restore public confidence in the investigations and the agencies concerned," the statement added.
The panels have also urged that the Attorney General, in giving legal advice and guidance to the Special Task Force, should provide clear updates on developments in the investigations in order to prevent negative perception of the agencies in the task force.