Putrajaya: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has expressed his unequivocal support for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as it investigates two Home Ministry (KDN) officers following their arrest in an anti-corruption operation, known as Op Outlander.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin affirmed his commitment to allowing MACC to conduct its investigations without interference, emphasizing his trust in the integrity of the process. “MACC has ’25 hours a day’ to go in and investigate. Let them do their job according to their responsibilities,” he stated at a press conference after the KDN monthly assembly.

Saifuddin reiterated that his support for such investigations has been a foundational principle since the start of his tenure. On May 8, MACC confirmed that two KDN officers and one civilian were arrested in Putrajaya as part of an investigation into alleged corruption related to the expedited processing of citizenship status confirmation applications.

In a separate matter, Saifuddin addressed the legal proceedings against foreigners facing criminal charges in Malaysia, highlighting the case of former Goldman Sachs partner Tim Leissner from the United States. Saifuddin noted that legal action has commenced under the Financial Monetary Act and that an Interpol Red Notice has been issued for Leissner.

“If there is an allegation against someone, we act in accordance with the rule of law. We are a sovereign nation. Since he (Leissner) is a foreign national, we will use the appropriate legal channels like we always did,” Saifuddin remarked. The Wall Street Journal reported on May 7 that Malaysia had filed an extradition request for Leissner regarding his involvement in the 1MDB scandal. This request was submitted to the United States Department of Justice in August 2024, following Interpol’s issuance of a Red Notice last November to alert member countries to detain Leissner if found.