DAP stands firm on RCI: Gobind says MACC cannot clear itself
Published: Feb 25, 2026 12:36 PM
Updated: 5:46 PM
DAP has doubled down on its demand for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) in the wake of MACC’s insistence that its alleged involvement in a “corporate mafia” scheme is merely a smear campaign aimed at sullying the commission’s name.
Party chairperson Gobind Singh Deo said the commission is entitled to deny the claims but stressed that “a mere denial on their part alone is insufficient”.
“It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case.
“When the integrity of our premier anti-graft agency is called into question, a self-issued clearance simply does not measure up. On its own, it does little to restore shaken public and investor confidence,” he said in a statement.
Referencing DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s stance that the party would press for the RCI at Friday’s cabinet meeting, Gobind (above) reiterated the need for an impartial and transparent inquiry.
Updated: 5:46 PM
DAP has doubled down on its demand for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) in the wake of MACC’s insistence that its alleged involvement in a “corporate mafia” scheme is merely a smear campaign aimed at sullying the commission’s name.
Party chairperson Gobind Singh Deo said the commission is entitled to deny the claims but stressed that “a mere denial on their part alone is insufficient”.
“It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case.
“When the integrity of our premier anti-graft agency is called into question, a self-issued clearance simply does not measure up. On its own, it does little to restore shaken public and investor confidence,” he said in a statement.
Referencing DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s stance that the party would press for the RCI at Friday’s cabinet meeting, Gobind (above) reiterated the need for an impartial and transparent inquiry.
Anthony Loke
“The allegations in question are specific. They name individuals, companies, and refer to identifiable cases.
“There is sufficient basis for an inquiry to commence, and the best option would be for an RCI to be formed, as it would be equipped with the necessary statutory powers to conduct a proper and meaningful inquiry into the matter.
“Whether the allegations are true or not, and what is to be done thereafter, is a matter for the RCI to decide,” Gobind added.
Important, adequate steps
Emphasising that it is not an attempt to fault or blame anyone, Gobind, who is also the digital minister, said the RCI is needed to reaffirm that the MACC remains beyond suspicion and free from any allegations affecting its integrity or credibility.
“The allegations have generated significant interest both here and internationally. It is therefore important to ensure that adequate steps are taken to deal with them.
“This is also not about undermining the MACC but rather strengthening it instead, making it clear that all agencies entrusted with powers of investigations and enforcement in this country are always subject to inquiry and the rule of law.
“Our position remains. There must be an inquiry into the allegations by way of an RCI equipped with all those powers necessary to ensure an effective and transparent probe into the matter. This must be done as soon as possible,” he added.
“The allegations in question are specific. They name individuals, companies, and refer to identifiable cases.
“There is sufficient basis for an inquiry to commence, and the best option would be for an RCI to be formed, as it would be equipped with the necessary statutory powers to conduct a proper and meaningful inquiry into the matter.
“Whether the allegations are true or not, and what is to be done thereafter, is a matter for the RCI to decide,” Gobind added.
Important, adequate steps
Emphasising that it is not an attempt to fault or blame anyone, Gobind, who is also the digital minister, said the RCI is needed to reaffirm that the MACC remains beyond suspicion and free from any allegations affecting its integrity or credibility.
“The allegations have generated significant interest both here and internationally. It is therefore important to ensure that adequate steps are taken to deal with them.
“This is also not about undermining the MACC but rather strengthening it instead, making it clear that all agencies entrusted with powers of investigations and enforcement in this country are always subject to inquiry and the rule of law.
“Our position remains. There must be an inquiry into the allegations by way of an RCI equipped with all those powers necessary to ensure an effective and transparent probe into the matter. This must be done as soon as possible,” he added.
Yesterday, MACC said the allegations cited in a recent Bloomberg report were believed to have stemmed from an anonymous blog with no identifiable owner, author, or accountable source.
“MACC completely rejects these unfounded allegations. The commission views the dissemination of such false accusations with utmost seriousness, particularly when they may undermine public confidence in lawful enforcement actions,” it added.
The commission claimed that the accusations constitute an attempt to discredit investigations and enforcement actions within the corporate sector, especially against parties affected by ongoing legal proceedings.
“MACC also considers this to be a baseless recycled issue that has been deliberately revived to tarnish the image and reputation of the commission,” it added.
Bloomberg exposé
On Feb 12, Bloomberg reported that MACC, including senior officials, allegedly colluded with certain business figures to oust rivals and orchestrate corporate takeovers.
The report detailed a tactic in which a select group of businesspersons would target a company, then file MACC complaints against it.
MACC would then investigate the company’s founders, exerting pressure that enabled the complainants to gain control of the firm.
Eyewitnesses, including insiders from MACC, claimed that some businesspeople or their representatives were even present at the agency’s offices when their competitors were brought in for questioning.
Following the report, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki dismissed the allegations as baseless.
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