Ex-MACC official: Status of RM2.6b deposit not yet determined

(Malay Mail Online) – The nature of the RM2.6 billion deposited into the prime minister’s accounts cannot yet be classified as the investigation is ongoing, a retired Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) senior official said.

In an interview with the mStar news portal, former MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Zakaria Jaafar said investigations must determine both the receiver and giver as well as any possible gratification involved before deciding on further action.

“According to what many have said, the receiver is the prime minister, but who is the giver? That’s what we need to find out because the person will be the main witness, but his location overseas will surely prolong the investigation process,” he was quoted saying by the portal.

Zakaria said the probe on the RM2.6 billion will hinge on the evidence provided by the giver of the funds, specifically what the money was intended for.

“But if the giver says the money is for the construction of surau (prayer rooms) or mosques but he also receive gratification from the aid, then only will there be elements of corruption,” he said.

According to Zakaria, who had served 33 years in the MACC, bribes could take various forms such as donations, cash, positions, goods, sex or commissions.

Reportedly saying that the situation would be more difficult if those involved seek to keep it a secret, Zakaria also said that investigators have to trace the documents relating to the RM2.6 billion and find witnesses to verify these, on top of meeting the giver.

Zakaria said that accusations against MACC would not grow if the public understood the challenges it faced, asking them not to hurl allegations against the anti-graft body.

“The public say, just prosecute, what else to investigate, but how to prosecute, it’s not easy, have to find documents, after that have to find people that will talk or witnesses because the document that is found cannot talk and we need verification from the relevant parties,” he was quoted saying.

The MACC previously said the RM2.6 billion is a donation from an unnamed Middle Eastern source and affirmed that its probe into the amount as well as former 1Malaysia Development Bhd subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd is still ongoing.

The MACC has said it will ask Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to explain the RM2.6 billion figure, while the latter has previously denied taking public funds for personal gain.