PUTRAJAYA: Over 30 supporters of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak gathered outside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) headquarters here since 8pm as a show of solidarity and protest against his detention.
Pemantau Malaysia Baru president Datuk Lokman Noor Adam said he condemned and strongly objection MACC’s action which he said was seen as a tool used by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s regime.
He said the non-governmental organisation also slammed the commission’s official statement that defended Najib’s detention under Section 23(1) of MACC Act 2009 after given the go-ahead by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“What baffled us was the statement by the Attorney-General in news portal Malaysiakini who said he could not take further action as he had yet to receive the investigation papers (regarding the case).
“This clearly showed that MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Shukri Abdull had acted on Dr Mahathir’s instruction,” he said in his speech during the assembly.
Lokman said the commission’s questionable actions including the freezing bank accounts of many people including Barisan Nasional members of parliament.
“I am of of the view that Najib’s arrest was made after the former prime minister provided proofs that the fund came from the Saudi Arabia government and King Abdullah (Abdulaziz’s) son (Prince Abdulaziz Al-Saud),” he said.
Following this, he said Pemantau Malaysia Baru and several NGOs would submit a memorandum on Sept 26, requesting for an intervention by the Malay Rulers’ Council.
Lokman said Solidariti4NajibRazak gathering would be held at the KL Courts complex in Jalan Duta at 2.30pm tomorrow.
Also present at the assembly at the MACC headquarters’ compound were Sukarelawan Malaysia president Isham Jalil and veteran singer Sahara Yaacob.
Najib was arrested at 4.13pm in relation to investigation on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), involving the RM2.6 billion deposited into his personal account.
The former premier, which was previously charged under Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, was expected to arrive at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court at 3pm tomorrow to face fresh charge.