Aliran notes with concern the circumstances surrounding the charging of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for allegedly misappropriating Bersatu funds totalling RM1.1m.
We generally welcome Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission action to haul up those suspected of corruption, especially prominent politicians. Any effort by official agencies to curb corruption, which has spread to almost all levels of society, deserves our support.
That said, we are alarmed by Syed Saddiq’s allegation that the charges are political as he has apparently faced threats every time Parliament is about to convene. The Muar MP implied these threats are aimed at nudging lawmakers or opposition MPs like him to defect to the ruling coalition.
We urge the MACC and other relevant enforcement agencies to investigate this serious matter as, if there is basis to Syed Saddiq’s insinuation, it would hint of selective prosecution and abuse of power.
The timing of this investigation is also questionable as the MACC could have opened a case against him at some other time, but why now?
While we all value efforts to curb corruption, these must be carried out across the political divide, across the board, without fear or favour. Anything less would be a travesty of justice.
It is crucial for enforcement agencies like the MACC to ensure they do not allow themselves to become convenient tools of the government in pursuit of any narrow agenda.
Aliran executive committee22 July 2021
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