MACC bites back

Last night, I spent some seven hours giving my statement at the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission because last Monday’s front page. Read here — http://mmail.com.my/content/6017-kapar-landgrab-files-missing-macc-office-claims-mp

Officers from MACC visited the Malay Mail office at Section 14, Petaling Jaya around 615pm the same day and took me in for questioning regarding my story on MACC missing files. After consulting my Editor Yushaimi Yahya, the officers made me drive to the Shah Alam office where Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam and several individuals from Kg Perepat were already waiting.

I was taken in for questioning by an officer who did not identify himself and I was asked questions on my front page story. Although I am not allowed to reveal the details of my interrogation, I found that the questions asked made no sense.

Despite being cooperative and producing evidences for my story, the officer acting on an order by his superior, seized my hand phone and laptop. Reason being? My hand phone contained Manikavasagam’s press statement from Friday, when he informed me and other press men that the MACC officer that he spoke to said files on the Kg Perepat issue were missing.

My laptop was seized because it had the raw copy of my story. According to the officer, both my hand phone and laptop need to be sent to the forensic department to be checked. It was also learnt that MACC had lodged a police report against me and Manikavasagam for defamation. However, there are few questions I need answers too.

Firstly, if MACC lodged a police report against me, why are their own officers conducting the investigations?

Secondly, why must MACC seize my hand phone and laptop when I was more than willing to give the copy of the recording and a printed copy of my raw copy to them?

Thirdly, all top ranking officers denied that I tried contacting them. However, when I showed a sms that was sent to the DG on Sunday night requesting his comments on this matter, the MACC officers looked stunned.

Now, that all my evidence is with the organisation that is against me, can i get justice?

 MACC director of investigations Datuk Shukri Abdull told pressmen he wants an apology from me. Should I apologize for quoting Manikavasagam? Should I apologize for trying until midnight on my off day to get comments from MACC, therefore it would not be a one sided story? Should I apologize for your officers incompetency for not being able to show the requested files on Friday? Or should I apologize because I wanted justice for the people of Kampung Perepat?

If I have to apologize for all these reasons above, I apologize. I am truly sorry. But if you want me to apologize because the people knows how MACC operate, then will all do respect sir, I won’t.

You have the power to seize my laptop and hand phone because you can. I am not a suspect. I am a co-operating witness and this is how you treat me.

One last question, how many Datuk’s or members of the civil service were called in for investigation for the Kg Perepat land grab issue over the past five years and after five reports were lodged?

With LovE

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