No protection for those under MACC probe, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: No individuals will be protected by the government if they are linked to investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised this during the Cabinet meeting earlier on Friday (Nov 28), addressing the graft scandal involving his senior political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who recently resigned.

“The Prime Minister stressed that he will not protect any party or individual if there are matters that need to be investigated by the authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“Therefore, the Prime Minister reiterated to the Cabinet the same statement he made publicly, and reminded all Cabinet members to constantly monitor their officers, as no protection will be given should any misconduct occur.

“(The Prime Minister stressed that) no one is exempt from the law in our country,” Fahmi said during the post-Cabinet meeting weekly press conference here, on Friday.

When asked about the next steps for PKR following Shamsul Iskandar’s resignation, Fahmi said the matter has not been discussed yet.

“As he has only just tendered his resignation as the political secretary, there have not been any discussions within the party regarding any political positions.

“We may have to wait for the next Central Leadership Council meeting,” he added.

On Tuesday (Nov 25), Shamsul Iskandar confirmed he had submitted his resignation letter to Anwar. The resignation comes following allegations that he received bribes from businessman Albert Tei.

Shamsul Iskandar also claimed there were attempts to target him with allegations that could tarnish the image of the Madani government.

Earlier on Friday, the MACC also called the former Hang Tuah Jaya member of Parliament to its headquarters to assist in an investigation into the allegation.