MACC panel not satisfied with AG’s reply

A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel has disclaimed its chairperson’s statement that its members were satisfied with attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail’s explanation on his alleged relationship with ex-MAS boss Tajudin Ramli.

In a statement today, the MACC’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel said that it had met on Jan 10 and resolved that its chairperson Ramon Navaratnam’s statement on Jan 4 on the matter was his “personal judgment”.

“The panel also agreed that investigation by the MACC will continue where necessary to ensure the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG,” said the panel in a statement today. 

Among those who attended the Jan 10 meet were Navaratnam, Anis, Azman Ujang, Ishak Tami Kechik, Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid, Prof Abdul Rahman Embong and Robert Phang.

Abdul Gani  had come under fire in recent weeks after allegations surfaced on the Internet, alleging that he had links with Tajudin, who is being investigated by the MACC.

Abdul Gani was alleged to have performed the haj pilgrimage together with Tajudin’s associate Shahidan Shafie, according to anti-BN website Malaysia Today.

Phang has been among the most fervent campaigners for Abdul Gani to publicly clear the air over the matter in recent weeks but the latter and Shahidan have remained mum.

Gani initiates dialogue with MACC

After much public pressure, Abdul Gani initiated a dialogue with MACC’s top brass, committee and panel members on Jan 4.

Following this, according by a report by The Star the following day, Navaratnam told the daily that his panel was satisfied with Abdul Gani’s explanation.

This was subsequently refuted by Phang and Ishak.

Tajudin , who was MAS chairperson from 1994 to 2001, had been blamed for the national carrier’s massive losses amounting to at least RM8 billion in the past.