Ling was called for further questioning at least nine times after MACC had arrested and remanded her.
A former MACC chief has criticised the agency’s handling of its money‑laundering investigation into Datin Seri Pamela Ling, who was abducted near MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on 9 April.
In a statement today, Dzulkifli Ahmad said he was surprised that Ling was summoned for further questioning at least nine times after her arrest and remand. He noted that, once a suspect’s statements have been recorded during remand, the law does not permit further interviews in the same capacity unless the individual is re‑classified as a witness—and then only with the deputy public prosecutor’s express consent.
“Under the MACC Act and established legal procedure, arrest powers should be exercised only when there is sufficient evidence to support a formal charge,” he said. “Premature arrests, while investigations are ongoing, may be unjustified and risk contravening both the rule of law and the core tenets of justice.” Dzulkifli served as chief commissioner from August 2016 to May 2018.
He urged the commission to apply the same approach it has taken in other high‑profile inquiries—such as those involving former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and entrepreneur Vivy Yusof—where suspects were never arrested but merely had their statements recorded, and charges followed only when evidence warranted.
“The sequence of events in Ling’s case, if accurate, calls into question the procedural integrity and legality of the investigation process,” he added. “It is imperative that all enforcement agencies, including the MACC, adhere strictly to due process and legal safeguards to ensure no individual’s rights are violated under the guise of investigation.”
Ling’s family revealed on 2 May that the 42‑year‑old had been on her way to assist MACC investigators on 9 April when she was abducted. Her Grab driver said men in police uniforms stopped the vehicle, forced Ling out and compelled him to mark the ride as completed.
Media reports state that Ling was extradited from Singapore earlier this year at the MACC’s request, then arrested, remanded and barred from leaving Malaysia. She was reportedly summoned multiple times for further statements after her release.
Ling filed a judicial‑review application in the High Court two days before her abduction, alleging that the MACC had used its powers to pressure her “to resolve private disputes with her estranged husband, rather than for legitimate investigative purposes”. Her lawyer, Sangeet Kaur Deo, confirmed the filing. MACC chief Azam Baki has denied these claims.
Earlier reports:
7 May 2025, MACC pressured Pamela Ling before her abduction, claims lawyer
6 May 2025, Police investigating husband’s possible involvement in Pamela Ling’s abduction
5 May 2025, IGP: Police investigating if Pamela was taken by officers or impersonators