KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Two separate investigation papers have been opened into allegations that a senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer received a bribe of RM350,000 from an individual in 2017.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the investigations were initiated following a police report lodged over the matter, which had gone viral on several social media platforms.
He said the first investigation paper was opened under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which deals with public servants accepting valuable items without consideration from persons connected to their official duties.
“If convicted, offenders face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both,” he said in a statement today.
Kumar said the investigation is being conducted under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation, which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ jail, a fine, or both upon conviction.
He said police are also investigating possible offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities or services and carries a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
Kumar said police would also submit an application for an Order to Investigate under Section 108(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code to the Public Prosecutor to facilitate further investigations.
“This includes recording witness statements and obtaining confirmation of the status of previous investigations conducted by the MACC,” he said.
He urged the public not to speculate on the case and advised them to use social media responsibly to safeguard the country’s peace and security.
On Saturday (October 10), Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) urged the MACC and the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (ACAB) to promptly investigate the allegations involving the senior officer to safeguard the agency’s integrity.
The case had previously been investigated by the MACC in 2018 but the investigation was closed after no wrongdoing was proven. — Bernama