KUALA LUMPUR: No reports have been lodged with the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the allegations of bribery and threats on several Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) lawmakers who declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the matter was confirmed by the police and graft buster this morning to the ministry.
"For the House information, until this morning, there were no reports lodged with the police or MACC regarding the allegations of bribery or threats due to the declaration of support by several Bersatu members of parliament (MP) for Tambun (Anwar).
"(And) we need to know that threats (if being made) fall under the police jurisdiction, while elements of bribery are under the territorial jurisdiction of MACC. "However, when I requested both agencies to provide me with the data this morning, not a single report has been filed (by Bersatu)," he said during minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
Saifuddin said this in response to Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat) who enquired on the total number of reports lodged with the police following the alleged elements of enticement, bribes and threats received due to the support made by some MPs to the prime minister.
However, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) said the party had lodged a report with the police pertaining to the matter, late last night.
"I want to correct that (the statement), a report was actually lodged at midnight and this is not merely an allegation.
"We have facts, we have the case. We will also lodge a report with MACC and hold a press conference to clarify the matter," said the Bersatu Youth (Armada) chief.
Following this, Saifuddin said there was no issue if a report had been lodged as the authorities would take necessary action according to the normal standard operating procedures.
"Congratulations Machang (Wan Fayhsal) and Armada for working until midnight to lodge a police report.
"There are no issues and differences. (And) I would like to repeat (my statement) that if there is a report lodged, elements of threats will fall under police jurisdiction, while elements of bribery are under MACC.
"(And) we encourage you to lodge a report because it can be considered an offence under Section 506 of the Penal Code if you fail to report when claiming you have the evidence."
Saifuddin also said that other elements aside from threats or bribery must be taken into account, citing that the four Bersatu MPs declaring support towards Anwar might be due to them feeling confident towards the prime minister's leadership.
"Their actions may be due to their confidence in the leadership of the prime minister, who has created political stability, restored the economy, ensured social welfare for the people and practised the principles of good governance.
"It could also be about them feeling that the propaganda that the government would be toppled in August is not happening as it is already December. Hence, this might be the reason why they declare their support."
On Nov 10, it was reported that Bersatu would lodge a report with the police and MACC after four of its MPs pledged support for the unity government.
Its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said there was evidence of intimidation and preferential treatment with regards to the development of allocations. The four MPs were Datuk Iskandar Dzukarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Zahari Kechik (Jeli).