logo
MACC probe ongoing in citizenship bribery case involving Home Ministry officers

MACC probe ongoing in citizenship bribery case involving Home Ministry officers

New Straits Times15 hours ago
KUALA LUMPUR: The bribery case involving two officers from the Home Ministry and a member of the public, related to expediting citizenship applications, is still under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said in line with the MACC Act 2009, the commission is prohibited from disclosing any details of the ongoing investigation.
"This case is still under investigation by the MACC," she said in a parliamentary written reply.
Azalina said this in response to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who enquired about the development of the case.
On May 8, MACC confirmed the arrest of two officers from the Home Ministry and one member of the public to assist in investigations into a bribery case involving efforts to expedite applications for citizenship.
Meanwhile, commenting on MACC's investigation into former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin and former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Azalina said such details of the case could not be disclosed by the commission as one of the cases is still under the court's consideration.
"Therefore, this question concerns a matter that is sub judice, which is contrary to Standing Order 23(1)(g) of the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat and should not be answered.
"Based on feedback received from the MACC, the commission is also not bound to disclose any details relating to the ongoing investigation, in line with the act," she said in response to Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong), who enquired on the status of the MACC's investigation into Daim and Ismail Sabri.
In July, MACC filed a notice of application at the Sessions Court to forfeit more than RM169 million linked to Ismail Sabri.
It was also reported that MACC has moved to seize and forfeit more than RM3 billion worth of assets allegedly linked to Daim, his widow Toh Puan Na'imah Khalid, their family members, and close associates, in 11 countries.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MACC detains three for false claims in Sabah and Selangor
MACC detains three for false claims in Sabah and Selangor

The Sun

time7 minutes ago

  • The Sun

MACC detains three for false claims in Sabah and Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained three individuals in separate cases involving false claims in Sabah and Selangor. In Sabah, two businesspersons were arrested for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims under the Small and Medium Industry (SMI) Assistance Programme. The suspects, a man and a woman in their 50s, were detained at the Sabah MACC office while giving their statements. Investigations revealed the duo submitted false claims worth over RM3.6 million to the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) between 2022 and 2023. One claim involved the supply of retort machines and equipment worth over RM400,000, while the other covered MeSTI, My Food, and halal certification services valued at over RM3.2 million. Sabah MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy confirmed the arrests, stating the case is being probed under Sections 18 and 28(1)(c) of the MACC Act 2009. Both suspects were released on RM10,000 bail each after posting RM1,000 and will face charges at the Kota Kinabalu Special Corruption Sessions Court this Thursday. In Selangor, a company director was detained for allegedly submitting false documents involving travel claims and air conditioner purchases worth RM33,000. The female suspect, also in her 50s, was arrested at the Selangor MACC office while providing her statement. Investigations suggest the offences occurred between 2022 and 2023, with the suspect submitting claims for transactions that never took place. Selangor MACC deputy director Khairul Izwan Karim confirmed the arrest, adding the case is being investigated under Section 471 of the Penal Code. The suspect is expected to be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court tomorrow. – Bernama

Govt mulling specific laws to tackle AI legal challenges, says Azalina
Govt mulling specific laws to tackle AI legal challenges, says Azalina

The Star

time2 hours ago

  • The Star

Govt mulling specific laws to tackle AI legal challenges, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will examine the need for specific laws on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in light of emerging legal challenges. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said ( pic ) said the current legal system needs to be upgraded, as AI-related laws require different approaches, including burden of proof, authenticity and document integrity. "Right now, whatever you say, every document is online, and because it's online you can fabricate any content," she told a press conference after launching the Malaysia National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025-2030 at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) here on Tuesday (Aug 12). She said courts must be confident in accepting AI-based evidence, as the technology can produce visuals or audio resembling individuals, but do not exist in reality, adding that the matter requires serious consideration to protect the public from fraud or manipulation. Commenting on the progress of the Political Funding Bill, she said it is still in process and subject to the agreement of political parties. "We have three Parliament sessions in a year… it (bill) is still in process," she said. On the issue of employers retaining workers' passports, Azalina stressed that such action is prohibited under Malaysian law. "You have to be fair to your workers and return the passport," she said, emphasising that Malaysia respects the human rights of all workers, including foreign workers from ASEAN countries, and must not act aggressively or unlawfully against them. Earlier in her keynote address, Azalina said the launch of the NAPBHR 2025-2030 marked Malaysia's first national framework to integrate human rights into business and corporate governance. She said the plan reflected Malaysia's commitment to the United Nations Guiding Principles as the country assumes the Asean Chairmanship. "The success of this plan demands more than government effort; it requires shared ownership," she said. The NAPBHR focuses on labour, environment and governance, and was developed through consultations since 2019 with ministries, agencies, civil society, business leaders, Indigenous communities, unions and academics. - Bernama

Malaysia considers new AI laws to address emerging legal issues
Malaysia considers new AI laws to address emerging legal issues

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

Malaysia considers new AI laws to address emerging legal issues

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is evaluating the necessity of enacting dedicated laws to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) amid growing legal complexities. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said highlighted the need to modernise the legal framework to address AI-specific concerns such as evidence authenticity and document integrity. 'Right now, whatever you say, every document is online, and because it's online you can fabricate any content,' she said during a press conference after launching the Malaysia National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025-2030. Azalina stressed that courts must adapt to handle AI-generated evidence, which can produce realistic but fabricated visuals or audio, posing risks of fraud and manipulation. Regarding the Political Funding Bill, she confirmed it remains under discussion and subject to political consensus. 'We have three Parliament sessions in a year... it (bill) is still in process,' she said. On labour rights, Azalina reiterated that retaining workers' passports is illegal under Malaysian law, urging employers to treat all workers fairly, including foreign employees from ASEAN nations. The newly launched NAPBHR 2025-2030 represents Malaysia's first national effort to embed human rights into business practices, aligning with the United Nations Guiding Principles. Developed through multi-stakeholder consultations since 2019, the plan prioritises labour, environmental, and governance reforms. 'The success of this plan demands more than government effort; it requires shared ownership,' Azalina added. – Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store