Is “pay and go free” the new norm for graft cases, Pakatan asks

Is “pay and go free” the new norm for graft cases, Pakatan asks



THE Pakatan Harapan presidential council today questioned Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun on why high-profile cases are being dropped after the accused pays up a certain amount of the sum alleged to have been misappropriated.

“We are concerned over the trend of high-profile individuals and those linked to the ruling party being cleared of charges in court after they settled a sum alleged to have been misappropriated, or after settling a compound.

“Therefore, we urge Idrus to explain the matter as the decision to prosecute or drop charges lies in his hands,” they said in a statement.

The statement was signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng, Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

Recently, Umno secretary general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan was acquitted by the High Court on charges of money laundering and giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Bernama reported that the Pontian MP was freed of the charges this morning after paying a RM1.1 mil compound.

He initially claimed trial to charges of failing to declare some RM2 mil received from former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

What is the MACC doing?

Livid over the matter, Pakatan leaders urged Idrus to come clean over the matter as the public was monitoring all this closely.

“Is this the new standard operating procedure for high-profile cases, where the alleged perpetrator can walk away from prosecution by paying a portion of the sum alleged to have been siphoned?” they queried.

The Opposition pact also hurled brickbats at the MACC and its chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki for not putting its foot down on the matter.

“Is the MACC planning to allow the same principle be applied to all corruption cases, especially involving ones linked to the Government?” they asked.

Pakatan leaders then said that the “new trend” goes against the rule of law concept, adding that justice must not only be done but also must be seen to be done.

“Without transparency and fair enforcement, Azam’s ideals of making MACC to achieve international standards will remain a pipe dream,” they retorted. – Oct 2, 2021