KUALA LUMPUR, August 11 – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained new information related to the issue of rare earth elements (REE) theft in Kedah. The Chief Commissioner of MACC, Tan Sri Azam Baki, stated that based on the new information or leads received, further investigations are being conducted. He mentioned that the commission will examine and investigate the latest information to support the ongoing investigation. “Some have questioned why MACC has not yet summoned the Kedah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, regarding the REE issue.
“At this time, MACC is still deferring the action of summoning Sanusi for his statement due to the newly obtained information. “We will thoroughly review and examine this new information before proceeding with further action,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday. He made these remarks after officiating the closing ceremony of the basic training course for MACC officers, Series 27 (Penguasa P41), at the Parade Ground of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Enforcement Department, here.
Meanwhile, when asked about the reports received by MACC during the State Election Campaign (PRN), Azam mentioned that they received 11 reports related to corruption. He stated that two reports were received at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, while the rest were from other states. In this regard, he mentioned that the information received from the reports is being processed for investigation purposes. “MACC will carefully review all information and reports received before deciding whether further investigations are needed or otherwise,” he said.
Azam further emphasized that every candidate contesting in the election must ensure that there is no giving of money or gifts to groups of voters to support them. He asserted that candidates with a high level of education and knowledge should understand Section 10 of the Election Offences Act 1954, which does not allow such actions to be taken. “It is a common offense that often occurs during elections. “They (candidates) should understand because it is stipulated in the act and has been introduced since 1954,” he said.
