'Sue us and let the court decide', says Azam Baki on Hamzah's allegation

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied allegations made by opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin who alleged that the commission has abused its authority and politically 'acted in a partisan manner'.

Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reports that this statement was made after Hamzah, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general, sent a letter of demand to MACC's chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, and the government.

The letter of demand contained accusations against both parties, alleging that both parties had "committed power abuse, conspired to injure his reputation as the head of the opposition, and committed misfeasance in public office".

In response to Hamzah’s allegation, Azam said that neither he nor MACC have received the letter of demand so far.

However, Azam also emphasised that the anti-corruption agency will not cower to any intimidation made against it.

"We deny the allegation of abuse of power. This is a free country, and anyone can sue anyone. We will not bow to any threat.

"Go ahead and sue us and let the court decide," he said when contacted by FMT.

In a press conference earlier today, Hamzah slammed MACC for allegedly implicating him in an RM15 million corruption case with businessman Sim Choo Thiam.

Hamzah also stated that in a police report made by Sim in June, there was a recount that the MACC had threatened the businessman with criminal action and detention unless he implicated Hamzah in the alleged wrongdoing.