nwar slams MACC in clearing AG and IGP of any wrongdoing

From The Edgedaily

By Yong Min Wei

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has slammed the decision of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to clear Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan of any wrongdoing on the fabrication of evidence relating to the ‘black-eye’ incident.

Anwar said he felt disgusted that the two were not charged despite strong evidence and documents provided to the authorities.

“I believe there is a cover up,” he told reporters at the parliament lobby today.

Anwar said he had recently written to every member of the Advisory Panel of the MACC highlighting his plight, adding that he hoped the panel members would look at the ‘black-eye’ evidence thoroughly and reopen the case.

“I think it is very unfortunate that in a case like this, they (MACC) just brush it aside,” he added.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Nazri Abdul Aziz told the Dewan Rakyat that a three-man independent panel has cleared Gani and Musa of any wrongdoing against Anwar on fabrication of evidence relating to the ‘black-eye’ incident.

Anwar was beaten while in police custody in 1998 by the then IGP Tan Sri Rahim Noor and suffered injuries including on his left eye which has since been referred to the infamous ‘black-eye’ incident.

The Opposition leader said it was paramount to know what was submitted to the three-man panel to deliberate, stressing that a general report on the black-eye without the medical reports and facts attached might not carry much weight to prefer charges on the AG and IGP.

“You think it’s easy to bring a case against the AG and IGP with such evidence? It is very tough,” he pointed out.

Anwar said he was out to prove a point that there was abuse in the current system as allegations brought against VVIPs were often shot down, adding that investigation into the fabrication of evidence on the ‘black-eye’ was a typical case of such abuse.

Asked whether there was any response by the 12-member Advisory Panel of the MACC, he replied: “Not yet, they will probably take some time.”

On whether there is room for appeal, he said: “It is not a matter of appeal. The MACC has decided there is no case to pursue against the AG and IGP.”