It is within Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s rights to take whatever action he wants regarding the release of the audio clips by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) which incriminate several top officers, including the former prime minister, says Latheefa Koya.
On Wednesday (Jan 8), MACC released nine audio clips incriminating former top officials, including Najib, in alleged wrongdoings.
In response, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, the lead defence council for Najib in his ongoing corruption trial related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), said they were mulling a contempt action against MACC, including Latheefa.
The MACC chief declined to comment when pressed if she and the MACC are bracing for a lawsuit from the former prime minister as suggested by his lawyer yesterday.
Meanwhile, she revealed that the MACC had sent the first round of audio clips to the police for investigation.
“Whatever we reveal will have to be investigated.
“Based on what we have told earlier, there are elements of wrongdoings that can be heard in the audio (recordings),” she said.
“This means not only that the police can conduct investigations; MACC is also allowed to do it,” she added.
When asked if the release of the recordings was related to the by-election in Kimanis, Sabah, Latheefa said it was up to people to say anything.
“They can say whatever they want,” she said.
Latheefa has also played down criticisms by lawyers Haniff Khatri Abdulla and DAP’s Ramkarpal Singh that the move to release the audio recordings went against the rule of law.
“It’s their right to express an opinion,” she was quoted as saying.
Haniff said Latheefa should have instructed her officers to lodge a police report and hand over the recordings to the police, while Ramkarpal voiced concerns it could lead to a trial by media.
The Bukit Gelugor MP also felt that spying on people by tapping their telephone conversations was unconstitutional, although it might be provided for by the law.
Related reports:
Jan 8, Najib Claims He Ran the Country, Not His Wife
Jan 8, Rosmah Leaves It to Lawyers to Look into Damning MACC Audio Clip
Jan 8, It Was Najib’s Government That Made Wiretapping Legal
Jan 8, Najib Shocked by Release of Audio Clips, Mulling Suit Against MACC and Latheefa
Jan 8, After Release of MACC Audio Clips, Najib and Rosmah Could Face More Charges
Jan 8, MACC Audio Recording: Frantic Najib Pleads with UAE Crown Prince to Help Riza Aziz
Jan 8, Rosmah Tells Najib: Darling, Take Charge, You’re PM
Jan 8, Dzulkifli and Azeez Appear to Discuss 1MDB Probe, Tabung Haji Link in MACC Tapes
Jan 8, Ex-MACC Chief Dzulkifly Conspired with Najib, Others over 1MDB
Jan 8, MACC Releases ‘Explosive’ Audio Clips of Alleged Conspiracy Involving Najib