MACC said a probe was initiated into Ling and Hah in May last year for alleged graft and money laundering offences, with the husband called in to give his statement.
To complete its probe, the anti-graft agency tracked down and summoned Ling to give her statement at the MACC headquarters, but she did not cooperate.
“As a result, on Dec 2, 2024, an arrest warrant for Ling was obtained from the Putrajaya magistrates’ court for the offence of failing to comply with the order to attend an interview for the purpose of completing the investigation.
“Subsequently, on Jan 8, a joint operation with Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau was launched. Ling was lawfully apprehended and brought back to Malaysia,” MACC said in a statement.
Ling was then remanded from Jan 9 to 11 before being released on MACC bail.
On April 9, the agency asked Ling to appear at its headquarters to give a statement following the discovery of new leads in its investigation.
MACC also applied for and obtained an order from the deputy public prosecutor for Ling to surrender her travel documents.
“However, Ling failed to attend on that day, and her lawyer subsequently lodged a police report regarding her disappearance on the same day.”
Necessary steps taken, claims of misconduct unfounded
MACC said it had acted within the ambit of the law at every juncture, including obtaining the necessary court orders and complying with the set procedures for the agency.
“Allegations of harassment or misconduct are unfounded,” it said.
It added that the judicial review filed by Ling against the agency did not negate or invalidate its ongoing probe into her and her husband.
Ling had challenged the anti-graft body’s alleged use of the MACC Act and anti-money laundering law to “exert pressure” on her to resolve “private disputes with her estranged husband, rather than for legitimate investigative purposes”.
Ling also claimed that she had been arrested and remanded without proper legal basis and in breach of due process.
MACC maintained that it had taken the necessary steps and fully cooperated with the police in its investigation into Ling’s disappearance.
“Accordingly, the MACC urges all parties to refrain from speculation that could hinder the investigation or create confusion among the public.
“At this stage, our shared priority should be to provide full cooperation to the authorities so that efforts to locate and safely return Ling can proceed smoothly, safely and as swiftly as possible.”