Lodge report with us over offer to switch sides, MACC tells Sekijang MP

(FMT) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has urged Sekijang MP Natrah Ismail to lodge a report with them after the PKR MP claimed she was offered benefits to throw her support behind the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

In a statement on Thursday, Natrah said she was approached by two individuals on March 3 asking if she was interested in supporting Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, adding that the individuals also promised some benefits in return.

“MACC urges Sekijang MP Natrah Ismail, or any party who has information on allegations on social media that there are individuals bribing MPs, to immediately come forward to lodge a report with the MACC.

“MACC is ready to conduct an investigation into these reports,” it said in a statement on Twitter.

MACC said the lodging of such reports is in line with Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009, which makes it obligatory to report bribery attempts.

Those who fail to do so could face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both, under the same section of the Act.

On Thursday, Natrah said she had rejected an offer made by two individuals, including one with the title of “Datuk Seri”, who promised she would be rewarded if she backed Muhyiddin.

She said she had reported the matter to PKR’s leadership.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim also claimed his party members were offered “millions” to defect this week.

This came after two PKR MPs – Julau MP Larry Sng and Tebrau MP Steven Choong – quit the party and declared their support for Muhyiddin.

Earlier today, the MACC had described the accusation by Pakatan Harapan that it was being used by the ruling coalition as a political weapon to get MPs to switch sides as “unfounded and baseless”.

It emphasised that it is an independent investigation agency that ensures its loyalty lies only with the law and not with any party or individual.

“These accusations are unfounded and irresponsible. They may tarnish the reputation of MACC and create a negative perception of the commission,” it said in a statement.