MACC clears "corrupt" Taib Mahmud & Musa Aman

Taib's son rich from gov't deals, but no proof of abuse

Aidila Razak 1:26PM Oct 5, 2012

While Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's son Mahmud Abu Bekir had richly benefited from the state, provisions in the law are hindering the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) from charging Taib with abuse of power.

According to MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Mohd Shukri Abdull, this is because Taib had either declared his interest or was absent from meetings where the decision to award state deals to Bekir (left) were made.

"Regarding his (Taib's) son, and his (former) daughter-in-law's testimony in court. It is true, he received things like timber concessions, which he could sell, amounting to a lot of money.

"But he had applied for the projects and gotten them. His father did not make any decisions, it was approved by exco members (the Sarawak cabinet). This is the weakness in the law," he said when met in Kuala Lumpur today.

Mohd Shukri was responding to a question  on whether testimonies in the ongoing Syariah Court trial between Bekir and ex-wife Shahnaz A Majid could be used as evidence against the chief minister.

"You said his (Taib's) name, I didn't," he said.

Mohd Shukri (right) added that based on Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, a person cannot be charged for abuse of power if there is no evidence that he or she had personally made the decision to award a contract where there is conflict of interest.

"He could either leave a meeting (after declaring the conflict of interest), which will be noted in the meeting's minutes, or his name would not be in the meeting's minutes at all because he was not present (when the decision was made)," he said.

This leaves no documentary evidence to link the chief minister to abuse of power, he said.

Big fish and vested interests

Speaking broadly on cases of the same nature, Mohd Shukri said that in such cases, those making the decisions are subordinates to the persons being investigated and could find it difficult to decide against the latter’s interests.

“But unless the person investigated had said something like ‘please consider it’, and it is recorded in the minutes, there is no link,” he said.

He added that subordinates, particularly when it comes to politicians, are also unlikely to provide evidence as there are vested interests.

“If the person had whispered into the ear of his subordinate (to approve the projects), we don’t know as no one is going to admit it.

“They have their rice pots to take care of too, and in some cases, they’re afraid they may not be renominated (in the next elections),” he said.

Correcting PAS’ Kubang Kerian MP Salahuddin Ayub (left), he said it is Section 53 and not Section 50 as mentioned by the former, which also hampers investigations.

Mohd Shukri said that based on Section 53 of the MACC Act, confessions must be independently corroborated, even if both the giver of the bribe and the recipient of the bribe admit to the act.

“There needs to be either documentation, like bank transaction records, or a witness who can attest to it.

"But bribery usually occurs in private, in closed rooms, with no witnesses,” he said.

He said that while the MACC managed to bring “many” civil servants to court under Section 23, it is the same section which allows“big fish” to slip the net.

“If there is no improvement to the law, (Section 23) can continue to be used to evade action,” he said.

Mohd Shukri said to support confessions, the MACC is following the footsteps of its Hong Kong counterpart to video-record all statements made.

“Three concurrent recordings are made, one for the person giving the statement, one for the court and another for us to keep,” he said.

MACC clears Musa Aman; RM40m was for Sabah Umno

Corruption at highest level: Musa-Anifah-Gani-Najib!

Malaysian Foreign Minister Named In MACC Investigation Into Sabah Timber Corruption – NATIONAL EXPOSE!

Posted Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Beng Hock’s case: MACC 'pack of liars' trio cleared

Beng Hock’s case: MACC trio cleared

G Vinod | April 5, 2012

Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz reveals that the AG found that the trio did not commit any offence in relation to the death of the DAP man.

FULL REPORT

< Back

Teoh’s death: ‘Four new leads for police’

Teoh El Sen | July 27, 2011

DAP adviser says among other offences, MACC officers should be investigated and charged with perjury based on fresh leads gathered from the RCI report.

Perverse MACC used convicted criminal to fix Ramli

Retired Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Ramli Yusuff, at his birthday speech on Wednesday, revealed more on his Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) experience with details on how it used a convicted criminal to frame and press charges against him.
 

Ramli said that the MACC had used this shady character's statement while he was still in custody under the Emergency Ordinance, as the foundation to build up the charges against him, particularly those he had faced in Kuala Lumpur.

He elaborated, saying, "Imagine this, the MACC relied on the words of a shady character who was under custody and detained under the Emergency Ordinance and then converted to restricted residence, and later released after they secured his cooperation to frame me by making allegations that in 1999 I was paid corruption money through an officer. These allegations were supposed to have come from a source involved in a slew of organised crimes, including illegal money lending (loan sharks), illegal character lottery, prostitution and drug pushing in Johor. The notes of evidence in court (proceeding) show so clearly that all these allegations were mere fabrications."

When criminal's word is gold

Ramli (right) said the MACC did not even dare produce the man in court to prove that statement yet he was charged just based on the words of this known criminal became the MACC's basis for saying that there were grounds to justify a notice to declare his assets.
 
He added, "Nothing could be more perverse than what was done to me." 

On Thursday, Malaysiakini reported that Ramli had accused attorney-general (AG) Abdul Gani Patail and former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan and the MACC of "fixing" him and his men.

Najib lies again? No need 2/3 to empower MACC la

MACC revamp doesn’t need two-thirds parliamentary majority, says Pakatan, Bar chief

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal and Mohd Farhan Darwis

February 28, 2012

Lim believed both BN and PR MPs could work together on this issue in the interest of the nation. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) does not need to win two-thirds control of Parliament to improve the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as such plans would not necessarily be opposed by Pakatan Rakyat (PR), say its lawmakers.

Opposition lawmakers told The Malaysian Insider that any steps to improve the efficiency and accountability of the anti-graft body should be welcomed, and that they will be open to debating the matter in Parliament at its next sitting.

Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee said there should be no reason why MPs “across the floor” would not vote in favour of amendments to the Federal Constitution if it was done in the interest of the nation.

They were responding to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who pledged yesterday to give more freedom to the MACC in the appointment of its officers if BN wins two-thirds control of Parliament in the next general election.

Liew said there was no question of needing a two-thirds majority.

DAP international secretary Liew Chin Tong rubbished the prime minister’s remarks, saying that there should be a proper level of consultation with opposition lawmakers on the matter.

“This is nonsense. In principle we agree on empowering the MACC for the betterment of the public. There is no question on needing a two-thirds majority.

“In principle we agree, and think that the MACC should be placed under the jurisdiction of Parliament, and not the Prime Minister’s Office,” he told The Malaysian Insider.

The Bukit Bendera MP said that in any mature democracy where laws are made, proper consultation on all levels needs to take place.

He said Najib was presumptuous to think PR lawmakers would not agree to some of the recommendations of the advisory panel.

“The opposition is happy to be consulted,” he added.

PAS central committee member Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa stressed that past amendments to the purpose and function of the MACC had already “empowered” the commission, and that the real problem was ensuring the anti-graft body was free from “political interference.”

“You don’t need two thirds. Issue is not about strengthening, but more of allowing autonomy to MACC to carry out its duties,” he told The Malaysian Insider.

“Pakatan Rakyat has agreed to reform measures for the MACC, based on proposals by the advisory panel,” the PAS leader added.

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar told The Malaysian Insider that Najib’s remarks were an admission that the MACC did not have enough clout to tackle corruption in the country.

Mujahid said the issue was more of giving the MACC the autonomy to carry out its duties.

“The people should reject this kind political motivation from a leader. History has shown that when BN rules with a bigger majority, they are not afraid to abuse their powers,” she said.

The Bar Council’s Lim pointed out that both BN and PR MPs had demonstrated “some amount of maturity” with regards to the bipartisan Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on electoral reforms.

“Thus there is no reason why this cannot equally be the case with necessary and advantageous amendments to the Federal Constitution,” he said.

The lawyer however questioned Najib’s mention of a proposal to elevate the status of the MACC chief commissioner to a standing equal to the Attorney-General or Auditor-General, stating that both had different limits to their jurisdiction.

“A question which arises from the PM’s statement is the meaning of equal standing of the chief commissioner of MACC to the Honourable Attorney-General and Auditor-General.

“The former has unfettered discretion to prosecute, making him probably the most powerful man in Malaysia. Whilst the latter’s powers, duties are prescribed the Audit Act 1957,” said the Bar Council president.

Obviously, Najib is a very desperate man - promising everything to everyone! More promises to come!

WILL MACC HELP CLEAR SHAHRIZAT'S NAME?

Firstly, MACC has not cleared its own name over the death of Teoh and Sarbani.

MACC has never redeemed itself since the death of two innocent lives.

Shahrizat says wants to clear name, welcomes probe

By Shannon Teoh

February 08, 2012

Teoh, Sarbani dah mati. Shahrizat belum disiasat lagi

Why yet to question Shahrizat, Kit Siang asks MACC

By Clara Chooi

February 07, 2012

KPMG more standing than MACC. MACC BN's tool

Guan Eng: Ministers, not kin, must declare assets

By Clara Chooi

January 19, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — Lim Guan Eng said today that public officials should declare their assets but appeared to agree with Umno minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz to exclude family members. However, the Penang Chief Minister stressed that declarations should be verified by independent audit firms instead of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which he labelled a Barisan Nasional (BN) “tool”.

“The first step is to start with ministers and those who hold positions of public trust, not with family members, because they may have their own sources of income,” Lim (picture) told a press conference today.

He was responding to Nazri’s statement today that ministers and their kin should not be compelled to disclose their assets to the public as it could endanger them.

“I think I can understand where Nazri is coming from. For those who have inherited assets, inherited wealth, or those with family wealth, those who were successful even before politics... that wealth, of course, may be subjected to attention for unhealthy elements.

“But there is a necessity, at least as the first step, to ask all office bearers, those who hold positions of public trust, to declare their assets,” Lim said.

The MACC announced yesterday its proposal that all Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and their immediate family members sign statutory declarations (SD) to declare their assets with the agency.

But Lim said the MACC could not be trusted, and urged the federal government to follow in the footsteps of Penang by appointing an independent audit firm to oversee the asset declarations.

“I feel the MACC is a tool of the BN. That’s why we (Penang government) never asked the MACC... our assets are verified by KPMG, an international independent audit firm... because I think they have more standing that MACC,” said Lim.

Cabinet ministers are presently required to disclose their assets to the Prime Minister but the information is not made public.

NFC: MACC in process of completing investigations

MACC in the process of completing investigations involving NFC

Posted on 27 December 2011 - 07:29pm
Last updated on 27 December 2011 - 09:43pm

 

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 27, 2011): The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) is in the midst of completing investigations involving a businessman alleged to have misappropriated funds allocated for the National Feedlot
Corporation (NFC).
MACC's director of investigations Datuk Mustafar Ali said once ready, the investigation report would be send to the attorney general's office.
"We have not closed our investigations although the suspect's remand period ended yesterday but allowing the police to investigate the suspect for his alleged involvement in another criminal breach of trust case," he told Bernama
when contacted today.
Newspaper reports said a 45-year-old suspect who was remanded for five days to facilitate investigations into the NFC scandal, was released but rearrested by police for his involvement in another cheating case, related to a service
station.
Mustafar said the MACC was collecting data and information related to the case from the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and four large white envelopes containing documents that were seized from the NFC office in Solaris Mont Kiara on Friday.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Commercial Crimes Chief ACP Izany Abdul Ghany when contacted said the suspect would be remanded until Dec 29 to facilitate investigations.
The issue over NFC surfaced following the 2010 Auditor-General's Report in October, which stated that NFC had failed to comply with the objectives of its formation while the opposition alleged misappropriation of its funds,
particularly in relation to the purchase of two luxury condominiums in the city. - Bernama

MACC blind only to corruption committed by Umno!

NFC scandal: MACC blind to corruption — Kim Quek

December 15, 2011

MACC takut CMS. MACC takde telur, minum kopi?

Sarawak's Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud famously boasted that he has more money than he can ever spend.

A Swiss NGO campaigning against corruption in Sarawak, the Bruno Manser Fund, has now fleshed out this assertion and reported that Taib's family owns US$1.46 billion (RM4.6 billion) in corporate assets in 14 wealthy companies - in Malaysia alone. Certainly, these findings contradict Taib's claim that his relatives have grown rich only outside Sarawak, using their entrepreneurship talent.

According to the BMF, Taib himself, his four children, eight siblings and his first cousin, Abdul Hamed Sepawi, have a stake in 332 Malaysian companies with the Taib family owning substantial shares in the three largest of these 332 companies.

The three companies are:

1. Cahya Mata Sarawak or CMS, also popularly known by its nickname ‘Chief Minister's Sons', is a listed conglomerate with construction, cement, steel, property, private education and stockbroking interests (84 percent of net assets of RM2.4 billion)

2. Custodev Sdn Bhd, a property development company (25 percent of RM1.6 billion)

3. Ta Ann Holdings Bhd, a logging and oil palm giant (at least 35 percent of RM1.4 billion).

Also, Taib's family are sole owners of Achi Jaya Holdings, a monopoly holder over log exports, with assets of RM550 million.

SPRM Serbu. Sarbani MATI. Kutipan kastam NAIK!

Customs collection jumped after MACC raid, panel says

By Yow Hong Chieh

November 24, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 — Revenue from customs rose dramatically after a high-profile raid on the Customs Department earlier this year by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Special Committee on Anti-Corruption said today.

“We’ve been informed by the MACC that customs collection has gone up sharply since its operation against the Customs Department,” committee member Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan told reporters in the Parliament lobby.

The Kota Belud MP, however, did not provide any figures.

He added that the Customs raid was an example of how money spent on the MACC would bring “far greater” returns to government coffers by curbing abuse of power and eliminating leakages.

Earlier today, the committee briefed the prime minister on the recommendations outlined in its annual report, including a request for more funding and manpower.

Abdul Rahman (picture) said the panel had also suggested improvements to security at the anti-graft agency’s offices after two witnesses died on MACC premises in as many years.

They include Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamad, a senior Customs officer who fell to his death at MACC’s Kuala Lumpur office in April.

Assistant director Sarbaini was a witness in the high-profile raid on the Customs Department carried out a month before by MACC.

A coroner’s inquest later ruled his death an accident, after ruling out suicide and foul play.

The verdict was rejected by Sarbaini’s family, who have called on Putrajaya to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into his death.

IGP macam tidak tahu pasal SPRM serah kes NFC

IGP says no report from MACC on cattle condo scandal

By Clara Chooi

November 17, 2011

Ismail said he has not received anything from the MACC on the matter. — File pic

SHAH ALAM, Nov 17 — Tan Sri Ismail Omar today deflected questions on the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) “cattle condo” scandal, saying he has yet to receive any report from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“So far, I’ve not received anything yet,” he said when pushed for an answer by a group of reporters who accosted him as he was leaving the Selangor police contingent’s Deepavali celebration here this afternoon.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) initially appeared surprised when asked to comment and pointed out that the matter was a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) case.

When informed that the MACC had passed the case to the police to handle, Ismail said he would have to check on the matter before issuing any statement. He left the function at the Selangor police headquarters here without further comment.

MACC said on Monday it would not probe the controversial RM10 million purchase of a condominium by the federally-funded NFC project, claiming it was a case for the police to handle as it involved an offence under the Penal Code.

In a statement, the agency said it had already referred the case to the police, adding that this was in line with advice from the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board to only investigate offences under the MACC Act.

PKR was first to claim of corruption in the purchase of the multi-million ringgit condominium belonging to the National Meat and Livestocks Corporation (NMLC), a company wholly-owned by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil’s family.

Its secretary-general, Saifuddin Nasution, said the luxury apartment at One Menerung, Bangsar, was recorded by NFC, a cattle-farming project managed by the minister’s family, as part of a RM83 million “loan” to NMLC.

But Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin savaged the party for the allegations, claiming the condo was bought as an investment when the NMLC found itself with excess funds when the government ran out of funds to develop satellite cattle farms.

The Auditor-General’s Report released last month had criticised the NFC, pointing out that it was now “in a mess”. The report said production in 2010 was only 3,289 head of cattle or 41.1 per cent of the target set.

Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar, however, responded on October 31 that the project was a success and had met its targets.

As usual, nothing unsual about the slow-motion action or total inaction coming from the government agencies that seem to be always protecting the powers that be.

MACC has no balls to investigate RM10 mil condo?

MACC refers condo purchase to police

2011-11-15 11:44

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has referred the purchase of a luxury condominium worth RM9.8 million, allegedly using National Feedlot Corporation's (NFC) money, to the police.

A MACC statement today said its Legal and Prosecution Division has examined a report made by the public and classified it as an offence under the Penal Code and not MACC Act 2009.

"We have been asked to refer the matter to police. It is also consistent with the advice of the Advisory Board that MACC does not investigate offences not under MACC Act 2009.

"Action has been taken to refer the complaint to police," he said adding complainant who was informed of the decision also agreed with MACC's action.

NFC was appointed by the government as project integrator for the national cattle project with a RM250 million fund.

It became an issue when family members of a Cabinet minister was alleged to have used NFC's money to buy a luxury condominium worth RM9.8 million in Bangsar.

Comparison of MACC ACTION against Party BN and Common Rakyat.

MACC probes NFC: From NFC probe to NFA case?

MACC probes NFC

Purchase of RM9.8m condo latest allegation against corporation

T.K. LETCHUMY TAMBOO

Friday, November 11th, 2011 10:27:00

 

MACC raids Petronas, reports to Umno boss

MACC raids Petronas over alleged graft among key employees

By Jahabar Sadiq
Editor

November 11, 2011

The rapid growth of projects has allegedly allowed corruption to take root in the oil firm.—Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Anti-graft officials raided national oil giant Petronas in the past weeks after receiving tip-offs of alleged corruption by project consultants working on exploration and production efforts in Malaysian waters, sources said.

The Malaysian Insider understands that files have been carted away and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officials briefed Datuk Seri Najib Razak before he left for the hajj last week. The prime minister returned to Malaysia yesterday.

“The MACC investigators have gone in as there have been many complaints of some seeking gifts in return for making recommendations for contracts,” a source told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity.

Another source confirmed the investigation into the national oil company, saying the MACC has informed Najib and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The MACC does not confirm investigations for fear of jeopardising their work.

Industry sources said corruption has become rampant over the years as Petronas has been giving out a host of contracts for its various operations, including the new push for marginal oil fields. But they did not identify which section of Petronas was being investigated by the MACC.

“There’s a lot of money to be made in long-term contracts. It’s a bit less for spot contracts,” one source said, adding middle-men and subcontractors frequent the oil giant’s headquarters in the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to buy and deliver pricey gifts including brand-name items such as bags for Petronas officials.

“It’s not uncommon. Everyone knows the game,” he added.

Another source said the Petronas management has had various meetings to discuss allegations of graft among its employees, who are among the best paid in Malaysia with perks including attractive housing loans, medical benefits and other incentives.

“They used to be among the best and honest but there are so many contracts these days and taking a cut is easy and very tempting,” he said, adding some Petronas officials have been seen to be living way beyond their means.

“There is a lot of gossip and backbiting. Some contractors have complained they have to pay up to be considered for jobs. So it’s not surprising that the MACC is here,” said the source.

He pointed out the management has been working on stamping out corruption, which has been identified as National Key Result Area (NKRA) by the Najib administration. The MACC recorded the most arrests related to graft last year, nabbing 944 people, of which more than 400 were bribe givers.

Petronas was incorporated in August 1974 and is ranked among Fortune Global’s 500 largest corporations, coming in 107th last year after being in the top 100 for 2008 and 2009. The company has more than 40,000 permanent employees in Malaysia and across the 35 nations where it has operations.

It also plans to invest around RM50 billion in an integrated downstream oil and gas complex in Pengerang, Johor, dubbed Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development or Rapid.

The integrated development will not only include oil refining and petrochemical activities, but also a gas power plant and other “supportive industries” and is expected to have 50,000 workers at its peak of construction.

The oil company owns the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers where a third tower was built recently and also Putrajaya, the country’s administrative capital that is leased to the government.

Binoculars priced 28 times more: MACC says okay

MACC says no graft involved in overpriced binoculars’ purchase

UPDATED @ 04:31:42 PM 02-11-2011

By Lisa J. Ariffin

November 02, 2011

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 2 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today found there were no financial irregularities involved in the Marine Parks Department’s purchase of binoculars for more than 28 times the market price.

In his report last week, the Auditor-General had found that the Marine Parks Department paid RM56,350 for a pair of binoculars not worth more than RM1,940.

However, the MACC today said no corruption charges have been filed against the Marine Parks officer who approved the tender, as the price was manipulated by the company tasked with constructing the RM7.51 million “all-weather” aluminium boat required by the department.
“The contract was awarded to Kapal Masai Engineering Company Sdn Bhd, who had presented the lowest price to construct and build the “all-weather” boat. “This package included the price of ‘Bushnell Binoculars (Night Vision)’,” MACC deputy commissioner of operations Datuk Haji Mohd Shukri Abdull told reporters today here.
“Despite having an overall package at the lowest price, there were items in the package that were priced at unrealistic amounts,” he added.
Mohd Shukri said that although the Marine Parks officer involved was free from corruption charges, the latter had violated Treasury instructions for the procurement of government tenders, which states that market price research must be conducted before any approval is granted.
“The MACC would like to recommend that the Marine Parks Department takes action against the officer who failed to determine the current market price for this tender which resulted in a loss for the government,” he said, adding that the MACC would not be involved as there were no corruption charges.
“Furthermore, the department must ensure tenders are monitored to make certain each specification is stated so there is no chance for suppliers to manipulate the cost of items,” he added.
Mohd Shukri also said the government should blacklist the company involved.
“The company should be blacklisted as they manipulated the prices of supplied items which resulted in a big loss for the government,” he said.
“MACC takes seriously the weakness in the system and the tender procurement process and we have been consistent in investigating financial abuse.”

MACC is ok with the purchase of RM56,350 for a pair of binoculars but grilled Teoh Beng Hock for a case involving a mere RM2400 for the purchase of flags until the he died!

Well done, MACC!

'Sarbaini inquest a mirror image of Teoh's'

The inquest into the death of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed which concluded yesterday with the ruling that the customs officer had accidentally fallen to his death, bore a stark resemblance to that of DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock last year.

According to PKR vice-president N Surendran (left), the obvious similarity of both Sarbani's and Teoh's inquest was in the manner in which the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), in which custody both men died, had behaved.

Surendran said in a statement, "It is noteworthy that the MACC behaved in a similar fashion during the investigation and inquiries into the death of (Teoh), who also died during MACC investigations on July 16, 2009. In both instances, the MACC participated in open attacks on the reputation of the deceased victims during the various inquiries."

Surendran added that this went against the basic principle of the common law system "that court proceedings must never be used to unnecessarily defame absent parties." and said during both inquests the MACC had produced evidence that both Teoh and Sarbaini were involved in graft "although (neither were) able to answer the charge or defend (themselves)."

Surendran said, "This was disgraceful and unimportant to the inquiry into how he met his death."

Surendran whose stand is consistent with that of Ahmad Sarbaini's widow, Maziah Manap.

She has accused MACC lawyer Shafee Abdullah of defaming her late husband through media statements.

.

Sweet victory for Shafee. Takdir untuk Sarbani terjatuh mati dalam kustodi!!

Coroner’s verdict absolves MACC, says lawyer

UPDATED @ 07:17:45 PM 26-09-2011

By Debra Chong

September 26, 2011

Shafee (centre) smiles as he exits the coroner’s court after the ruling on Ahmad Sarbaini’s death, in Kuala Lumpur September 26, 2011. — Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been “100 per cent” cleared of blame by the coroner’s court when it ruled that a Customs officer’s death in the graftbuster’s Kuala Lumpur office was by misadventure, the commission’s lawyer said today. Prominent lawyer Datuk Seri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who was hired to act for the national anti-graft body, beamed as he told reporters his client has been fully absolved by the verdict on the death of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed.
However, the prominent lawyer said he agreed with coroner Aizatul Akmal Maharani’s observation that an MACC officer named “Kamal” had been negligent in his duty for leaving the former Customs assistant director alone at its Jalan Cochrane headquarters.
“He should not have left a person for even one second,” Muhammad Shafee said, after the verdict announcement, adding that he would advise MACC to act on the coroner’s remark.
“For sure there’ll be a follow-up on Kamal,” the lawyer told reporters.
MACC assistant superintendent Kamal Awang Besar had testified during the inquest that he left Sarbaini alone in a witness room for three to four minutes before the latter disappeared, as he wanted to get further instructions from investigating officer (IO) Abd Ghani Ali.
Kamal and another colleague with the same rank, Sheikh Niza Khairy Sheikh Mohamad, were both suspended on April 8, after the death.

The BIG question: 'Why did Sarbaini climb out the pantry window?' WHY??

'Why did Sarbaini climb out the pantry window?'

To the police officer investigating the death of Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamad, the biggest unanswered question in the customs officer's case is why the deceased decided to climb onto the window ledge outside the third floor pantry of the Kuala Lumpur MACC office.

Investigating officer ASP Zuhairi Mohamad, said that in his opinion, the investigation is 90 percent complete, the 10 percent incomplete being the big question as to why he went out on the ledge.

Zuhairi, who said that he “specialised in high-profile cases that draw public attention”, took over investigations of the much-publicised case on April 12 from his superior DSP Sapii Ahmad when the latter was hospitalised due to illness, was testifying on the 13th and last day of the inquest into Sarbaini's death before coroner Aizatul Akmal Maharani.

The late Sarbaini, who was the former Selangor customs assistant director and one of the customs officers being investigated for graft in an earlier MACC crackdown, was found dead on the first floor badminton court of the MACC office in Jalan Cochrane, after going to the commission to change a previous statement.

34 witnesses, including Zuhairi, took the stand in the inquest which is to end today.

Prior to the coroner's verdict set to be delivered on Sept 26, all parties are to file their submissions on or before Aug 25, while a hearing will be held on Sept 12 for any clarifications from the submissions.