KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied allegations that it received external directives to halt investigations into specific individuals.
The commission said all enforcement actions were taken "without fear or favour" and interference from any party.
"The commission refutes these claims, which allege that MACC was instructed by certain parties not to investigate individuals linked to the purchase of shares in a company.
"Investigations are carried out fairly and impartially under all circumstances, in line with the principles of sovereignty and the rule of law.
"MACC is confident that these allegations are baseless and irresponsible, deliberately made to create a negative perception of the commission," it said in a statement.
It said it does not open investigation papers arbitrarily, without evidence or facts.
Every investigation follows standard operating procedures (SOPs), in accordance with the law, and is monitored by five independent bodies, it said.
"MACC will not succumb to pressure from any party attempting to divert attention from ongoing investigations into corruption and misconduct through fabricated allegations.
"As such, the commission urges the public not to be misled by claims from parties seeking to link MACC with attacks on specific interest groups."
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had allegedly instructed the MACC not to investigate his former political secretary, Farhash Wafa Salvador, over the controversial purchase of shares in a company connected to the development of a new billion-ringgit immigration system, citing three sources said to be familiar with the matter.
The financial daily also reported that MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki had allegedly told his officials that investigations into former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his three sons, and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin were launched on Anwar's instructions.
In March, it was reported that Farhash had acquired a substantial stake in a company shortlisted to develop the new billion-ringgit National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe).
Farhash secured a 15.91 per cent stake in HeiTech Padu Bhd through his company, Rosetta Partners Sdn Bhd. He had stated that Rosetta Partners is a subsidiary of Mfivesouthsea Sdn Bhd, which he jointly owns with Kelantan's Sultan Muhammad V.
The acquisition of shares in HeiTech Padu occurred just one day after MyEG Services Bhd purchased a 14.4 per cent equity stake in the company for RM31.25 million on March 11.
On the same day, HeiTech Padu announced it had been awarded a one-year extension of its contract to maintain the Malaysian Immigration System (MyIMMs), worth over RM13 million.HeiTech Padu is one of three companies shortlisted by the government to develop the RM1 billion National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), which will replace MyIMMs.