Ramkarpal Singh: MACC's release of telephone conversations 'amounts to a trial by media'

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 9): Another person that is not too happy about the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) release of audio recordings allegedly involving former PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, former MACC chief Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad, a foreign dignitary and several other individuals is Bukit Gelugor lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh (pictured).

“The broadcasting live of recorded telephone conversations between parties claimed to be the former Prime Minister and others by the MACC is improper and regretted.

“It has to be said that (MACC chief) Latheefa Koya should not have done so as this can amount to a trial by media of those implicated in the said recordings,” Ramkarpal said in a statement today.

“No doubt, we all want to know and get to the bottom of what was allegedly said in the said recordings and whether or not the individuals involved are responsible for any offence which may have been committed but that is the job of the courts, not the media or for that matter, any agency investigating the individuals purportedly in the said recordings,” he explained.

Ramkarpal added that spying on people via telephone conversations may be unconstitutional “although it may be provided for in law today”

“I personally feel it is unconstitutional and cannot be condoned as it very much infringes our right to privacy.

“Whether or not such conversations evidences criminal offences is for the MACC or the police to investigate and present in court,” he said.

Ramkarpal said if such “trends” were allowed “to continue”, alleged criminals will end up being found guilty in a press conference and not a court of law.

“Those accused would have every right to challenge those recordings and it would be for the court to decide if such a challenge is sustainable or not.

“It is not for the government to dictate how the MACC goes about its affairs as it is an independent agency but the rule of law must be observed and the actions of the MACC here are inconsistent with it,” he concluded.