The Malaysian Insight

THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has lodged a police report over an alleged plot to tarnish its chief’s reputation following the release of recordings of Najib Razak discussing ways to cover up the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.

Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff, special law officer to MACC chief Latheefa Koya, lodged the report at the Putrajaya police station about 11am today.

She said the plot was hatched by several lawyers last Wednesday, the day the anti-graft agency released the audio clips.

“This evil plot is not just attacking Latheefa personally, but an effort to reduce MACC’s credibility,” she told reporters after lodging the report.

She said MACC has submitted evidence to police, adding that it will not disclose the identities of the lawyers purportedly behind the conspiracy.

“We will let police investigate. We cannot reveal the nature of the accusation.”

Latheefa, in a statement last night, said there is a “criminal plot” to fabricate and distribute materials intended to smear her good name.

“We believe that a lawyer is among the culprits.

“My special officer will lodge a police report early tomorrow morning and hand over evidence of this to police.”

She said she will not be intimidated, and vowed to continue with her duties.

Sources said the accusation in question was shared among lawyers on Friday via WhatsApp, with a picture of Latheefa attached.

“The picture was sent to Latheefa and MACC officers by other lawyers. (The culprits) have the intention of tarnishing Latheefa’s image,” said Sasha.

Putrajaya police chief Rosly Hassan confirmed receiving the report from MACC.

Last week, MACC released nine audio clips that showed former prime minister Najib and other individuals discussing ways to conceal information related to 1MDB.

Latheefa had said the agency was given the recordings after the new year, but did not name the party.

The clips are purportedly of conversations involving Najib; his wife, Rosmah Mansor; former MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad; former Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim; Najib’s former private secretary, Shukry Salleh; Najib’s former special officer, Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin; Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Zayed Al Nahyan; and, Mubadala Development Company CEO Khaldoon Mubarak.

MACC said the recordings showed abuse of power, conspiracy, fabrication of evidence and leak of state secrets. – January 14, 2020.