KUALA LUMPUR: Legal action is being considered against international media outlet Bloomberg over reports alleging that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) acted on instructions from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during investigations into certain individuals.
During Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar confirmed that the police had already received reports and had taken several steps, including summoning Bloomberg representatives and related individuals on Oct 1, 8 and 11.
"This is the second time Bloomberg has made dangerous accusations, the first against the prime minister and another against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, alleging approval for the construction of a casino.
"This is an extreme slander (on a matter) that the cabinet or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has never raised. Legal action is being considered as the police have received reports and are investigating the matter.
"However, the investigation is still ongoing, and I leave it to the police to carry out their investigation and for the attorney-general to take appropriate action (if there is any misreporting)," he said in the Dewan Rakyat today (Oct 15).
Anwar said this in response to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) on whether the government was prepared to take legal action against Bloomberg regarding the alleged interference of the prime minister in MACC's investigations.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said he had only provided general directives towards MACC, the Inland Revenue Board, the police and enforcement agencies to take firm action against corruption without compromise.
"This was the directive given, but it does not involve specific cases because the MACC, like the Attorney-General's Chambers, must act independently and transparently, without fear or favour.
"Hence, will there be any actions (against Bloomberg)? That depends on the police report and if any clear wrongdoing is found, it is up to the A-G to prosecute."
Asked whether the government would stop engaging with Bloomberg in the future, Anwar said he respected the principle of free media.
"When the Tatar government held an official programme and invited me to Tatarstan a few months ago, they requested that I attend as the keynote speaker at a conference organised by Bloomberg.
"So, we differentiate because we respect the principle of a free media. If there is slander, we will sue, or the police will take specific action regarding that.
"But that does not mean we should prohibit or cancel all events with Bloomberg. To me, that principle should be upheld by all."
Last month, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had informed MACC officials that the investigations into former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his sons, as well as former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, were allegedly initiated by Anwar.
Bloomberg claimed that Anwar had allegedly instructed MACC not to investigate his former political secretary, Farhash Wafa Salvador, over the purchase of shares in a company linked to the development of a billion-ringgit Immigration system.
In response, the Prime Minister's Office refuted both reports, stating that Anwar had never issued any directive or interfered in investigations conducted by MACC.
Azam also said MACC does not take instructions from anyone, including the prime minister when conducting investigations into certain individuals.