MACC should probe alleged corruption, not arrest journalist - PAS
PAS has called on MACC to prioritise investigations into an alleged syndicate trafficking migrant labourers working in collusion with immigration officers stationed at KLIA.
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the investigation would be more in line with MACC’s duties rather than arresting Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar, whose reports exposed the alleged syndicate.
Summary
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan calls on MACC to prioritise investigations on alleged migrant worker trafficking syndicates in cahoots with immigration officers.
The Kota Bharu MP says such syndicate poses a higher risk to Malaysia’s security and economy over Malaysiakini’s articles exposing the alleged corruption.
PAS has called on MACC to prioritise investigations into an alleged syndicate trafficking migrant labourers working in collusion with immigration officers stationed at KLIA.
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the investigation would be more in line with MACC’s duties rather than arresting Malaysiakini journalist B Nantha Kumar, whose reports exposed the alleged syndicate.
“Such activity (syndicate), if proven true, has higher potential to trigger more serious and dangerous problems for Malaysia’s security and economy.
“This is in comparison to allegations of criminal intimidation said to involve a Malaysiakini journalist who wrote (articles) on Feb 19 and Feb 22, exposing a Pakistani cartel smuggling workers into Malaysia,” said the Kota Bharu MP.
Yesterday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki clarified that Nantha’s arrest was linked to allegations that he had received a bribe from a migrant worker agent and not due to his articles in Malaysiakini exposing a migrant trafficking cartel.
Azam said the agent had lodged a report with the MACC against Nantha, who allegedly solicited RM100,000 - an amount eventually reduced to RM20,000 - in exchange for not publishing two articles concerning the agent.
Based on the report, Azam said the MACC carried out a “trap case”, and an arrest was made on the spot after money had exchanged hands.
The Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court granted the MACC’s four-day remand request yesterday.
READ MORE | Bribe allegation: This is my story
Commenting further, Takiyuddin noted that allegations of misconduct and corruption against immigration officers in cahoots with migrant worker agents are nothing new and were often raised, including in the Dewan Rakyat.
“Last September, the MACC arrested 37 officers at KLIA suspected of colluding and receiving bribes from a migrant worker syndicate,” he said, adding that there were other reported busts involving millions in cash, jewellery, and others.
‘Extend probe to alleged syndicate’
Separately, Segamat MP R Yuneswaran said the MACC should extend its probe to those allegedly involved in the syndicates exposed by Malaysiakini.
“The journalist had recently written about a migrant trafficking cartel, particularly a so-called ‘mastermind’ behind a Pakistani cartel.
“Given the seriousness of these allegations, MACC must ensure that those responsible for such criminal activities are also held accountable,” said Yuneswaran, echoing a perception that such claims had long plagued the immigration system.
“Therefore, MACC should not take the journalist’s report lightly or ignore the potential wrongdoing it exposed,” he stressed.
Yuneswaran further urged the MACC to also investigate the agent who had lodged a report against Nantha.
“Authorities must determine whether the agent is involved in any syndicate activities and ensure that all individuals linked to such operations are brought to justice,” he said.
“As the investigation is ongoing, we urge all parties to refrain from speculating or spreading unwarranted rumors, as unverified claims will not only harm the journalist involved but also impact his family,” added the PKR MP.
Nantha - who has served with Malaysiakini since 2018 - has written extensively recently about immigration syndicates, including those involving the Immigration Department.
