The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) explained today that the issue of a support letter with noble intention without any offer of or demand for a bribe does not constitute an offence.

However, the issue of such a letter would be regarded as an offence if there were elements of corruption, such as the letter being issued to an individual or a company where the individual, relative or associate had vested interest, it said in a statement.

"It will also constitute an offence if any individual has to pay a bribe for the issue of the letter, or if the individual or relative or associate is promised or offered any bribe should a project be garnered as a result of the support letter," it added in the statement, carried on its website.

The MACC clarification comes in the wake of a statement yesterday by Perlis Menteri Besar Dr Md Isa Sabu yesterday that support letters issued by the state executive council or state assemblymen to the public did not constitute corruption.

- Bernama