MACC says AGC let off Musa in 2012 as a matter of policy

MACC says AGC let off Musa in 2012 as a matter of policy

The anti-graft body said it was a policy of the AGC at that time not to consider political donation as an offence.

Questions have been raised as to why former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman was not charged earlier. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today passed the blame on the failure to charge Musa Aman seven years ago to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, following questions over why the former Sabah chief minister was only now charged with offences allegedly committed more than a decade ago.

The anti-graft body said that in July 2012, it submitted the outcome of its investigations into Musa to the AGC.

“However, the AGC then decided not to pursue with any charges as they were of the view that the investigation was related to political donation,” it said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said MACC, and not former AG Abdul Gani Patail, should explain the decision to let off Musa in 2012.

Musa was charged on Monday with 35 counts of corruption for allegedly receiving around US$63.29 million (RM264 million) in bribes involving timber concessions in Sabah.

He allegedly committed the offences between 10 and 14 years ago.

Gani was sacked as AG in 2015 over suspicions that he was part of a conspiracy to take action against the then prime minister Najib Razak over the 1MDB scandal.

MACC said it was a policy of the AGC at that time not to consider political donation as an offence.

“However, MACC reviewed the investigation paper against Musa few months ago upon receiving new information,” it said.

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