MACC has no right to dictate when to lodge a report, says Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin stated that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) cannot dictate when someone should report an act of corruption. This statement was made in response to MACC’s directive to Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan to lodge a report within one week, following Wan Saiful’s claim that he was offered RM1.7 million to support Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Hamzah emphasized Wan Saiful’s right to report to MACC at any time he deems appropriate, stating, “He has the right to report at any time. When the time is right, he will lodge it.” This statement was given after the conclusion of the Perikatan Nasional Representatives Convention in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

During his speech on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in parliament on February 28, Wan Saiful alleged that he was repeatedly urged to pledge support for the Prime Minister and offered RM1.7 million in parliamentary allocations, among other inducements. He also claimed that government project allocations could be channeled to his acquaintances.

Wan Saiful further asserted that the corruption charges against him relating to the Jana Wibawa project would be dropped if he pledged his support. He mentioned that he agreed to meet the individuals making these offers at hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

Following Wan Saiful’s claims, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki instructed him on March 4 to submit a report on his claims within one week, by March 10. Azam Baki added that appropriate action could be initiated if Wan Saiful failed to comply with the directive.