Poser Over MACC Probe On Taib Mahmud

Joseph Tawie

Why has MACC suddenly decided to 'gather information' about Sarawak Chief Minsiter Taib Mahmud when complaints against him began in 2007?

KUCHING: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) sudden investigation into Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud’s wealth allegedly amassed via corrupt means has spawned several questions.

Top on the list is why the sudden interest and if it has to do with Umno and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s standing in the party.

Mulling over this and several other questions, Sarawak PKR said it was sceptical about the “genuiness” of the MACC probe.

Speaking to FMT, its information chief See Chee How said, “I don’t believe MACC is really serious about investigating the alleged corruption…

“I don’t believe that the investigation will go very far. I think when the pressure on Barisan Nasional and Najib has eased, the files and complaints will be put away.”

See was commenting on a statement by MACC chief Abu Kassim Mohamad last week that the MACC is currently investigating Taib over allegation of timber corruption.

Abu Kassim said the commission was “gathering information” regarding the matter.

According to See, MACC’s credibility was “suspect” as it is “known” to be Najib’s tool.

“Also, why is MACC doing it (investigating) now when reports were lodged as early as in 2007?”

A Great Liability?

See believes that MACC was “compelled” to announce an investigation following international reports that the Swiss government had allegedly frozen Taib’s accounts in Switzeland in relation to timber corruption claims by NGO Bruno Manser Fund.

While lauding the Swiss government’s move to freeze Taib’s accounts, See said “it puts great pressure on the government” through MACC.

“There’s a lot of pressure now because of the impending general election. Is the chief minister seen as a great liability to BN?

“Or does it have to do with Umno’s internal fight that the chief minister’s leanings is threatening Najib’s position in Umno?

“There are s just too many questions…” See said.

- FMT