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In a statement today, Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (LPPR) chairman Abu Zahar Ujang said LPPR felt there were weaknesses in the investigation, as well as shortfalls in the management and administration of MACC at that time.
“Because the action taken on the case was not transparent and professional, but leaned more towards political interests, the current MACC management has to bear the implications,” he said.
“As an advisory panel, LPPR advises that such matters should not be repeated because the implications are huge. It gives a negative perception of the prosecution, especially the MACC, which is seen not to adhere to the principles of transparency, independence and professionalism.”
LPPR is one of five independent agencies mandated to monitor MACC under Section 13 of the MACC Act 2009, and its members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Zahar, who is a former Dewan Negara president, said he had held discussions with the other six board members and they unanimously agreed to take a serious stance on the withdrawal of cases involving certain individuals during their ongoing trials.
While he said LPPR took note of the fact that MACC withdrew Ehsanuddin’s charges due to new findings and evidence, Zahar said such moves affect the image, credibility and integrity of MACC.
“LPPR does not tolerate this,” he said.
On Sept 1, Bernama reported that Ehsanuddin had been acquitted and discharged of 29 bribery charges after the prosecution withdrew the charges against him.
In a statement on Sunday, MACC explained that Ehsanuddin was acquitted because he had returned the money before the probe began on his 29 alleged bribery charges.
MACC said it started further investigations when Ehsanuddin submitted his representation and statement of defence under Section 62 of the MACC Act 2009 during the trial.
“Based on the new findings and evidence, the accused proved that he had returned the money alleged to be bribes before the investigations had started,” said MACC.
The trial started in August 2019 and saw 24 prosecution witnesses, including bank officers and Companies Commission of Malaysia officials, give evidence.
Ehsanuddin was slapped with 14 charges of accepting a bribe of RM23,540.68 in instalment payments for a BMW 3 Series from printing company Karya Hidayah Sdn Bhd in 2014 and 2015.
In the Johor Bahru sessions court, he faced 10 corruption charges, including over an alleged bribe of RM50,000 and a piece of land from the same company in 2013 and 2014.
He was also charged in the Shah Alam sessions court with five counts of accepting the maintenance charges for two vehicles and legal fee payments of RM12,707.60 for the purchase of a piece of land.
All the charges were heard together in the Kuala Lumpur sessions court.
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