[UPDATED] Anwar promises won’t stop any probe against Farhash

Prime Minister answers opposition MP’s question on alleged political interference in MACC investigations

12:12 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) has assured that even his former political secretary Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador will not escape Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)  investigations if there is evidence against him.

While the anti-graft agency does not have any open cases involving Farhash at the moment, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat today he would not interfere if a report is lodged with the authorities if there is evidence on supposed wrongdoings. 

“If you have clear information (on offences) involving anyone, including Farhash, in any case, please make a report. I guarantee that MACC will not close (the case),” the prime minister told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said this in response to a supplementary question by PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN), who had earlier asked Anwar whether Putrajaya is prepared to take legal action against Bloomberg for its article alleging political interference in MACC.  

On September 26, Bloomberg published an article with unnamed sources claiming MACC had been investigating Anwar’s “adversaries” while not probing the “share purchases by one of the prime minister’s allies”, namely Farhash’s share purchases in HeiTech Padu Bhd. 

The report by the US-headquartered news agency also named former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and ex-finance minister Tun Daim as well as their family members as among those the MACC was investigating, supposedly at Anwar’s behest.

MACC and the Prime Minister’s Office have both denied the claims in Bloomberg’s report.

Commenting on Bloomberg’s allegations regarding HeiTech Padu, Anwar said: “I believe even Pasir Mas (Fadhli) knows the company is linked to Tuanku Sultan, not Farhash,” referring to how Farhash’s shares in the company was jointly-owned with Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan. 

For the record, as of April, Farhash is no longer a substantial shareholder in the company.

Anwar also said that further action against the news outlet will be determined by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) pending the completion of police probes into Bloomberg, which involved the summoning of several company representatives and related individuals on October 1, 8 and 11.

Noting that this is the second time Bloomberg has published “dangerous accusations”, with the first time being a story on a proposed casino in Forest City, Johor, Anwar said he had only ever issued “general orders” to the MACC. 

“As I have said in Parliament (previously), I say that I want MACC, the Royal Malaysian Police, the Inland Revenue Board and other enforcement agencies to take firm action in combating corruption without compromise. 

“I did not (reference) any specific cases (as) MACC and the AGC have to act freely and transparently without fear or favour,” he said, agreeing with Fadhli’s call for the police to be more transparent with its investigation findings in cases of public interest. 

Anwar also said that while his administration respects the right to freedom of speech, such a right should not be used to defend wrongdoings, saying: “Total freedom for the wolves means death for the lambs.” – October 15, 2024 

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