MACC abused powers in summoning ex-minister, family, says Waytha

Malaysian Advancement Party leader P Waytha Moorthy has criticized the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly abusing its power by summoning a former minister and his family, including a 12-year-old child, to its headquarters to serve an asset declaration notice. Section 36 of the MACC Act grants the commission the authority to require individuals to provide information related to an investigation, but Moorthy claims this does not give the commission the right to subject citizens to unnecessary enforcement actions, especially not a minor.

The former human resources minister, M Saravanan, along with his wife and two of his children, visited the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to receive the notices. Saravanan questioned the decision to summon his 12-year-old son to the MACC headquarters, arguing that the notice could have been served through him as the child's parent.

He expressed concern about putting the child through the stress and worry of attending the headquarters. Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act allows a MACC officer to require a relative or associate of an individual suspected of holding or acquiring property connected to a commission offence to provide a written statement on oath or affirmation.

The commission has given the Saravanan family 30 days to declare their assets, with an extension available if needed.