Chaos at KLIA: When did MACC pull the 'handbrake'? - Azam Baki
July 8, 2023 14:21 MYT
AZAM: I want to say that the investigation is still ongoing, I don't want any party to speculate because some assume there is no element of corruption when the investigation is still not finished.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) denied a local newspaper report that claimed no elements of corruption were found in the investigation involving two Chinese women at the Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA) arrival hall on June 29.
Speaking to Astro AWANI, its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the investigation had just entered its sixth day and it was unreasonable to complete it within that period.
Therefore, he urged all parties including media practitioners not to make any speculations or assumptions that say there is no element of corruption in the case.
"I want to say that the investigation is still ongoing, I don't want any party to speculate because some assume there is no element of corruption when the investigation is still pending.
"The investigation has just been conducted within five to six days, so is six days reasonable for us to complete the investigation? So be careful in making statements even if you refer to sources.
Explaining the investigation procedure, Azam said there are many things that need to be carried out before the case can be concluded.
"I have mentioned this matter, firstly the element of corruption that we need to see and prove as the allegations, both are legal procedures that must be followed by the authorities (Immigration Department).
"While the third is any rule that needs to be enforced at KLIA in general, which needs to be followed by any party at KLIA in managing those who are not allowed to enter the country or are subject to Entry Refusal Notices (NTL) to enter Malaysia.
"This investigation will include various angles that we need to complete," he said.
Meanwhile, Azam also confirmed that the company appointed to manage foreigners subject to NTL has been called by the anti-corruption agency.
"The company has been called and there are more witnesses called in relation to this matter that I cannot disclose," he said.
On July 5, the MACC confirmed that it had taken the statements of 14 individuals regarding allegations of corruption among immigration officers and members at the country's entry gates.
Azam said that the individuals whose statements were taken included a minister, eight immigration staff and a Chinese woman with her friend from the same country.
The commotion at KLIA went viral when a minister allegedly broke into the KLIA arrival hall to release a Chinese visitor who was detained by the Immigration Department.
Following that, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing admitted that he was the minister associated with the incident and claimed his presence to expose the existence of a culture of corruption by a few officials and chronic abuse of power at the entrance of the country.
