MP: Has MACC become the protector of the corrupt?

Another Pakatan Rakyat MP has thrown brickbats at the Penang Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for ending its investigation on reports on alleged vote-buying during the 13th general election.

"Has the MACC become the protector of the corrupt?" queried DAP Tanjung MP Ng Wei Aik in a statement.

Ng (right) went on to accuse state MACC director Samarajoo Manikam of "turning a blind eye" to the reports on seven cases of the offence lodged by Pakatan leaders in May, as he recommended to the attorney-general, after submitting a report to the chambers, that the files be closed for lack of proof.

"Although the voters were not advised or directed to vote for any candidate, the 1Malaysia logo (dinners) and public knowledge that the money will be given only after BN won a state or parliament seat, are important elements of bribery which comply with what is stated in Section 10, of the 1954 Election Offences Act," Ng said in a statement.

The reports were filed by PKR's Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, five of the party's candidates, and one from PAS who contested the Bayan Lepas seat. 

The six candidates all lost with majorities of less than 1,000 votes, while Sim had won the Bayan Baru parliamentary constituency with a higher majority.

On Tuesday, Samarajoo had said that the witnesses questioned by the Commission did not disclose any offence under the 2009 MACC Act.

Samarajoo (left) added that those who allegedly lined up to redeem their money were given lucky vouchers by [unidentified individuals in  makeshift lots.

He stressed that when the commission's officers visited the shoplots  which did not carry any names, those allegedly handing out the cash were no longer around.

"MACC only based its probe on the seven reports lodged after the May 5 polls while no effort was made during the campaign period to identify those who were reportedly engaged in vote-buying," said the state DAP Socialist Youth chief.

"This shows that MACC had failed to be proactive and progressive when confronting those who engage in corrupt practices in the interest of the BN," he added.