No delay, probe into MBPJ corruption claims ongoing - MACC

The MACC has denied any delay in its investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power within the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

“I can confirm that the investigation into this matter is ongoing and is being pursued according to investigation procedures.

“There is no delay by MACC in this case,” Selangor MACC director Alias Salim said in a statement today.

However, Alias said he could not reveal specific details as it could prejudice ongoing investigations.

The commission was responding to queries by Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Risyakaran over the perceived delay in the probe as six months have passed since a report was made.

Alias also pointed out that the commission had responded several times to Rajiv on the status of the probe.

“We (MACC) had in fact responded in writing as recently as Dec 4, 2019, and Jan 20, 2020, to his queries on the status of the matter and informed him that the investigation is still ongoing.

“His queries did not go unanswered,” he said, adding that MACC will forward the investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers accordingly upon completion of investigations.

'Six months is too long'

In an immediate response, Rajiv thanked MACC for replying to his concerns but stressed that it ought to speed up its investigations into the case.

He also acknowledged that the anti-graft body had been updating him on the case, a fact that he had mentioned in his Feb 3 press conference.

“I never expect(ed) MACC to reveal matters under investigation, but have made clear that six months is too long for a simple investigation, and I hope MACC will speed up and take action on this matter,” he said on his official Facebook page.

The DAP lawmaker previously alleged to have received information from a whistleblower about allocations for several projects by MBPJ where payments were made but work was purportedly not executed.