Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a task force Tuesday to coordinate corporate-crime investigations after lawmakers questioned his government over allegations linking anti-graft officials to attempts to gain control of companies.
Anwar told Parliament the attorney-general would chair the group. He said it would include the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Royal Malaysia Police, along with Bank Negara Malaysia, the central bank, Securities Commission Malaysia and Inland Revenue Board. He called for a full report within three months and said it should be made public.
A February Bloomberg investigation described allegations that MACC officials aided businessmen trying to displace company executives and gain control of their firms. The commission denied the allegations. Anwar’s Cabinet had already ordered enforcement agencies in March to examine claims involving the businessmen and the MACC.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said in a parliamentary reply that police had recorded 58 witness statements as of May 11. No MACC officers had been implicated so far, he said, and the police investigation was continuing. Anwar said Tuesday that 70 people had been investigated under Op Viking.
Transparency International Malaysia called on March 13 for a Royal Commission of Inquiry. It argued that an independent body could compel evidence needed to test the allegations, citing possible misuse of enforcement powers and harm to investor confidence.
Anwar said corporate crime predated his administration. The task force has three months from Oct. 20 to complete its report, which he has asked to be made public.
