The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is willing to meet private investigator P Balasubramaniam "anywhere and anytime" to record his statement.

NONENew MACC head Abu Kassim Mohamed said it is most important for the commission to meet Balasubramaniam, who has made damaging allegations against the premier's younger brother Nazim Abdul Razak.

"He is the main witness. Without him, the investigations would not be complete. (To) those people involved, please come forward or (tell us if) you want us to meet you anywhere," Abu Kassim told a press conference today.

"There will be no conditions imposed. We are looking forward to recording his statement."

Balasubramaniam had claimed in an interview posted on Youtube last year that Nazim had offered him RM5 million to retract a statutory declaration linking the premier to slain Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu.

The private eye had fled Malaysia with his family on July 5, 2008, after making a second declaration overnight that contradicted the contents of the first.

p balasubramaniam private investigator altantuya murder caseMACC deputy chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull, who was at the press conference, said efforts are being made to contact Balasubramaniam, but would not reveal details.

"I too urge him to come forward. He is a MACC witness. We do not want to charge him. If he wants to meet with us anywhere, that should not be a problem," he said.

Balasubramaniam's lawyer Americk Singh had previously said his client is willing to assist the MACC in its investigations, based on prior conditions.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has refused to respond to the allegation which he described as "frivolous", while Nazim had nothing to say.

‘PKFZ probe still going on'

Abu Kassim was also asked to comment on the Port Klang Free Zone scandal - specifically as to whether more people will be charged, including a former cabinet minister.

The commission's job is to find evidence and to investigate who was responsible and find proof, he replied.

"If there is ample evidence, we will propose that the person be charged. Our task is to investigate and to make sure those responsible pay (for the offence). I am not going to name names, but will say investigations are still in progress."

NONETo date, three people including Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd general manager OC Phang, have claimed trial to various charges. There is speculation that more arrests are in store.

On the status of the commission's case against senior lawyer VK Lingam, Abu Kassim said the commission's Operations Review Panel has yet to decide on the matter.

"The case will be tabled to them. The case happened before Jan 1, 2009 and it is outside the purview of the panel. However, owing the serious nature of the case, the attorney-general's chambers have agreed that it be presented to the panel for evaluation," he said.

The powerful panel is empowered to seek a revision of cases to ensure transparency of the commission's work.

"All cases will be reported to the panel (in terms of the) outcome (and) progress. The panel has the power to review a case and recommend that charges be preferred," added Abu Kassim.

"Last year, two cases were referred to the panel when the head of prosecution did not proceed to charge the individuals. Following a review, the panel recommended that they be charged and (this has been done)."