Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was charged with four counts of abuse of power and two counts of money laundering at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court yesterday, part of a crackdown on alleged wrongdoings during his premiership that also saw other individuals arrested and charged. Now, both the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have stressed that any decision to lay charges against anyone is based on evidence and facts obtained in investigations.
Moreover, both denied any external pressure, political interference or selective prosecution involved in the charges, stressing their independence in exercising their roles. According to BERNAMA, Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun dismissed claims that the AGC was practising selective prosecution but iterated that the decisions to prosecute were made fairly. Furthermore, it was made on the principle of integrity based on evidence in the investigation paper, without favouring anyone.
Idrus Harun stressed that this was to ensure that victims, witnesses, the accused and members of the public can get appropriate justice. Moreover, the actions are made in line with the scope of power conferred to the Attorney-General as per Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution.
Idrus Harun asserted,
“The AGC denies allegations that there have been cases of selective prosecution, politically motivated prosecution and persecution of any individuals who committed offences under any provision of the law… If there is information and solid evidence that any individual has committed an offence under any provisions of the law, this individual will be charged in accordance with the law regardless of their status and background,”
Meanwhile, the MACC said that the investigation into the Jana Wibawa cases is independent and there is no interference from any party. In a statement yesterday, the commission iterated that the investigation carried out against several individuals is an initiative based on information and evidence obtained by MACC.
The statement reads,
“The investigation papers that have been completed are then referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for proper study and consideration… Therefore, the accusation that the MACC investigation was ordered by certain parties and was politically motivated is not true at all and has damaged the image of this commission,”
Ironically, the current Attorney-General and MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki were appointed under Muhyiddin’s premiership in 2020. Both individuals continued in their respective positions under the 9th Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Here’s What You Need To Know In Regards To Muhyiddin Yassin’s Current Corruption Case
