Speaking to FMT, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, said Dzulkifli may have the right credentials to lead the anti-graft agency but his independence when it comes to pursuing those responsible for the alleged embezzlement of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MBD) funds, remains to be seen.
“It looks like he might be Prime Minister Najib Razak’s man who will ensure that no action is taken against the latter and his associates.
“I don’t think Dzulkifli would have been appointed to an agency like the MACC without Najib’s consent and the latter surely would not appoint a person who would not take his orders.”
Penang DAP vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari meanwhile noted that Dzulkifli had taken over the role at a tumultuous time, especially in light of the US Department of Justice’s (DoJ) civil forfeiture suit against individuals who allegedly misappropriated over USD3.5 billion of 1MDB funds.
“His background as the head of the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team is most valuable, given that those skill sets are exactly what is needed to get to the bottom of the 1MDB scandal.
“Following the DoJ’s revelations, Malaysians want to know whether Dzulkifli will now reopen the 1MDB case file,” he said when contacted by FMT.
Dzulkifli is also a board member of the Inland Revenue Department, which according to Zairil, was known as one of the most efficient government agencies, especially in recovering money from tax evaders.
“I hope he (Dzulkifli) can focus his attention on the biggest case of misappropriation and embezzlement in Malaysian history – in fact quite possibly in world history according to The Guardian.
“If he fails to investigate 1MDB or refuses to move on this, then his appointment will be questioned. Malaysians will ask whether he was appointed to whitewash the biggest financial scandal.
“So, I hope he does the right thing,” added the Bukit Bendera MP.
PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar on the other hand slammed the appointment, saying it was a tragedy for the MACC when “brave and principled men are treated like dirt and replaced by sycophants.”
She noted Dzulkifli’s presence in a press conference held by Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali earlier this year, where Najib was cleared of all alleged wrongdoings in the scandal surrounding 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion donation.
“We have little time to salvage Malaysia’s coffers as the world parades our corrupt government, and we remain stuck in the ongoing play by the ruling elite.
“At this rate, numerous transfers could never remove the corruption stain caused by the 1MDB scandal until the perpetrators are brought to face the full extent of the law.”
Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism’s (C4) executive director Cynthia Gabriel echoed Nurul’s sentiments, describing today as a dark day for the MACC.
She however expressed hope that Dzulkifli would hold true to the policy of joint cooperation with the public.
Dzulkifli is taking over the duties of outgoing chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed, who is leaving the anti-graft body two years ahead of his contract completion date.
Also leaving the agency is MACC deputy chief commissioner Mustafar Ali, who has been transferred to the Immigration Department and appointed as the new director-general effective Aug 1.