Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Muhammad Mohan said Saifuddin could be jeopardising an ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation by looking into the case.

“It is best to leave it to MACC and for him not to comment any further,” Muhammad told FMT.

He said Saifuddin, who is the home minister, was likely using the issue in an attempt to influence those voting in the state elections.

“Leave it to MACC to proceed with the case. There are a lot of other issues to talk about,” said Muhammad.

On July 21, Sanusi announced that he had sent a legal notice demanding that Saifuddin apologise for alleged claims concerning his (Sanusi’s) involvement in the mining of REE in the state.

However, Saifuddin appeared undeterred, pledging to reveal more information on the case. He also said he was prepared to face the PAS leader in court.

On Aug 1, Saifuddin presented a photograph of Sanusi and a man identified as “So Loi Fat”, one of the two Chinese nationals said to be linked to the scandal.

He claimed they were brought in by Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated (Kedah MBI) to mine REE.

On Aug 6, Saifuddin called for Sanusi to explain why the state had issued a letter of approval to a company which had been issued a compound notice in January for stealing REE.

Bersih chairman Thomas Fann also called for Saifuddin to steer clear of the case.

“MACC should wait until after polling day to start its investigation, so that it is not seen as an attempt to influence the outcome of the elections,” said Fann.

He said Bersih disagreed with Saifuddin utilising government-exclusive information as campaign “ammunition”, adding that the minister might potentially be misusing his position for electioneering purposes.

“If Sanusi were involved, MACC should have been alerted and the investigation would have to be carried out following the proper procedure,” he said.