KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has the power to charge individuals who commit corruption overseas relating to the interest of the country.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (operation) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said it had every right to prosecute those who were alleged to have committed corruption in foreign countries, as it was stated in the MACC Act.
“It is stated in our law that if you commit corruption related to this country overseas, you are subject to criminal charges in this country.
“For example, you are an agent for the government and you receive bribe related to a project in Malaysia, you are subject to be charged under our law,” he said when met at the court complex here today.
Azam said this when asked to comment on the recent corruption charges against former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman who was slapped with 35 charges involving RM263 million in connection with timber concession contracts in Sabah.
The Sungai Sibuga assemblyman allegedly committed the offences in several countries namely Singapore and Hong Kong between December 2004 and November 2008.
According to the charge sheets, Musa accepted the money as inducement to give timber concession contracts to 16 companies.
The companies were Bountiful Returns Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Segar Tepat Sdn Bhd, JV Lestari Sdn Bhd, Tamabina Sdn Bhd, Sabapioneer Sdn Bhd, Danagaya Sdn Bhd, LR Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Lembah Mayang Sdn Bhd, Fast Progress Sdn Bhd, Maju Sinar Network Sdn Bhd, Eden Region Sdn Bhd, Gasing Selatan Sdn Bhd, Innokita Sdn Bhd, Tetap Simfoni Sdn Bhd, Asiatic Lumber Industries Sdn Bhd and Eramewa Sdn Bhd.
The offence falls under Section 11 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997 which carries a maximum imprisonment of 20 years and fine not less than five times the amount of bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
The court allowed RM2 million bail in two sureties and ordered the accused to surrender his passport to the court.
The case will be mentioned on Dec 13.