MACC probe into Dr Xavier Jayakumar closed in 2024 over lack of evidence

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced that its corruption investigation into former water, land and natural resources minister Xavier Jayakumar has been closed due to insufficient evidence to charge him. The decision to close the case, known as "kemas untuk simpan," was made in 2024, five years after the initial investigation began in 2021.

Two investigation papers involving Xavier were opened under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009. After a thorough review of the facts, documents, and evidence, the deputy public prosecutor concluded that there was not enough proof to proceed with charges against the former minister. The MACC stated that the duration of an investigation depends on the complexity of the case and the necessity to gather, review, and verify all pertinent information and evidence.

The commission emphasized that all investigations are conducted professionally, transparently, and based on facts and evidence alone, without any influence from external parties. In response to questions raised by former MP Kua Kia Soong, the MACC urged all parties to refrain from making any speculation or assumptions regarding the matter, as the investigation has been finalized.

Xavier recently announced his return to the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) after a five-year hiatus, during which he served as an independent. He had previously joined Parti Bangsa Malaysia in 2022 but did not disclose the reasons for his departure from PKR or his subsequent affiliation with the new party. Despite his absence from PKR at the time of his resignation, Xavier had been under investigation by the MACC since the arrest of his close associate, MA Thinagaran, in March 2022.

Thinagaran was detained on suspicion of accepting bribes from multiple companies for a project awarded by the water, land, and natural resources ministry in 2019, when Xavier was serving as the minister under the Pakatan Harapan administration.