Ensure institutional reforms are implemented, Rasuah Busters urges govt

SHAH ALAM - The government is urged to ensure that institutional reforms are carried out, focusing on restoring the national economy and not manipulating political power.

#RasuahBusters, in a statement on Monday said this was a critical time to implement the separation of powers between the attorney general and the prosecutor, guaranteed independence of the judiciary and the placement of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under Parliament.

"The long-term advocacy of #RasuahBusters will continue where the people will not tolerate injustice and will continue to fight to break the systemic chain of corruption and ensure the freedom of institutions in this country for the well-being and upliftment of Malaysia's dignity.

"#RasuahBusters demands the government to speak up, make sure that justice must be done and can be seen.

"To remain relevant, do not betray the mandate. The people's punishment will be much heavier," it said in a statement on Monday.

Yesterday, the High Court discharged not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi from all 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering in relation to Yayasan Akalbudi funds.

Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah made the ruling after allowing Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar’s application to DNAA Ahmad Zahid after the prosecution decided to halt the case as they wanted to investigate the case more in depth.

Zahid was charged with 47 charges of eight bribery, 12 breach of trust and 27 money laundering involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds.

In the meantime, #RasuahBusters also asserted that the civilisation that the Madani government wanted to build emphasised the moral and ethical compass as the core of the nation.

"In that context, preserving the rule of law must be without prejudice in line with the ethics demanded by the people against the leadership of the government today.

"The prima facie decision of the court proved by the prosecutor before seems to be worthless and Zahid has lost his chance to prove himself clean and innocent through testimony and evidence through the defence case to restore the people's trust in the Deputy Prime Minister," the statement read.

It further stated that the decision based on the authority under rule 145(3) of the Federal Constitution had a prima facie case and raised questions about the commitment the government often proclaims in fighting corruption and upholding justice.

"Without any reasonable explanation from the Attorney General's Office (AGC) regarding the request for DNAA, it gives the perception that executive or political interference allows any party to avoid being tried and judged fairly by the court.

"What is worse, this precedent has caused unease among the people about the justice of the democratic system in Malaysia because it does not help to restore the reputation and image of this country," it said.