'Political parties should not panic if investigated' – Azalina

KOTA TINGGI - Political parties involved in criminal case investigations including gambling funds should not panic and should leave it to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other related agencies.

Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the investigations would not end at just one enforcement agency.

"The police, Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and other enforcement agencies can evaluate the cases.

“Let's not look at MACC on its own as the only investigator.

"Those involved in criminal cases (investigations) should not panic, let the agencies responsible perform their investigations.

“I was only informed that they had provided new information, but I'm not involved in looking after the MACC," she said.

She said this after a site visit at the new Pengerang Courthouse construction site in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, here on Friday.

On May 25, Azalina in a written answer in Parliament informed MACC investigations could not prove the claims of PN receiving funds from a gambling company for campaigns in the 15th general election (GE15).

She said MACC investigations found the claims were too general and no parties could confirm the issue leading to no investigation files being opened.

Azalina also told Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari in Parliament that she only stated MACC did not open a file based on the information obtained was too general.

The gambling funds claims investigation involved Perikatan Nasional (PN) during GE15 was not dropped.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 28 had defended his statement that PN allegedly obtained gambling funds for their GE15 campaign.

Anwar said he would not issue a statement if it had no basis for the previous allegations.