KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating several politicians over political patronage in illegal gambling.
"I cannot disclose the politicians under investigation, but I can confirm that it is ongoing.
"(And) if proven, it is indeed an offence," MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said after attending World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) 2023 Integrity Day today.
When asked on the number of politicians under investigation, Azam declined to provide specific details.
"There are a few among them. I cannot say whether there are many or not, or from what party."
On the political affiliations of those under investigation, Azam said: "I cannot disclose that either. If they are politicians, then they are politicians (Kalau ahli politik, itu ahli politik lah)."
On June 15, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat that political patronage had undermined the political will and determination to effectively tackle illegal gambling in the country.
Saifuddin said: "If I were to claim that Malaysia is free from political patronage in illegal online gambling, people will laugh at us."
The political patronage, he said, provided influence and protection for corruption and bribery within the gambling sector, leading to deferred action.
Saifuddin was replying to a supplementary question from Sungai Buloh member of parliament Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan, who asked about the impact of political patronage in online gambling and its hindrance to police intervention.
On June 16, Saifuddin said his statement in the Dewan Rakyat was given after a briefing from the police.
Saifuddin said he was confident of his claims.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
from New Straits Times https://ift.tt/QSxiYzg
0 Comments