In an interview with Bernama Radio, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki said this was because Najib didn’t pose a danger to anyone. Neither was there a risk of Najib fleeing detention.

He said MACC has the power to decide on whether a detainee needed to don the orange uniform or be handcuffed.

“The investigating officer takes a look at certain aspects and usually it is whether a person is a danger to others. If they aren’t, then there’s no need for the orange garb or handcuffs.”

Sometimes, he said a person may wear the garb without the need for handcuffs. In other cases where politicians were involved, they too weren’t handcuffed.

Najib was arrested earlier this week and taken to court to face 25 charges in relation to the RM2.6 billion “donation” in his personal account.

Lim Guan Eng’s acquittal

Azam also reiterated that the MACC had no say in the acquittal of Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in his corruption case and that it wasn’t the first time something like this has happened.

“We don’t take into account whether someone is an opposition politician when opening investigation papers.

“We look at the facts and we don’t have the power to investigate cases dropped by the public prosecutor.”

Previously, Lim and businesswoman Phang Li Koon were acquitted of corruption charges over Lim’s purchase of a bungalow below market value from Phang when he was Penang chief minister.

Azam also denied allegations that they had called in former Umno leader Mustapa Mohamad to give a statement.

This came after Umno Supreme Council Member Lokman Noor Adam claimed that the Jeli MP was called in to give a statement on funds Umno received.