Police: Two investigation papers opened over RM350,000 bribery claim against senior MACC officer

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Two separate investigations have been initiated into allegations that a senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officer accepted a RM350,000 bribe in 2017, according to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar. The allegations, which circulated widely on social media, prompted a police report that led to the opening of the investigations.

The first investigation is under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which deals with public officials accepting valuable items without justification. Kumar stated that if the officer is convicted, they could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. Additionally, the case is under scrutiny for potential defamation under Section 500 of the Penal Code, carrying a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Police are also investigating possible breaches of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities, which can result in a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Kumar further mentioned that a request for an Order to Investigate under Section 108(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code has been submitted to the Public Prosecutor to aid further investigations, including gathering witness statements and confirming the status of prior MACC inquiries.

He advised the public to refrain from speculation and to use social media responsibly to maintain national peace and security. Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) had previously urged the MACC and the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (ACAB) to swiftly investigate the allegations to protect the agency's reputation. The MACC had previously investigated the case in 2018 but closed it due to a lack of evidence.