Accra:The police have opened two separate investigation papers concerning allegations that a senior officer from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) received a RM350,000 bribe from an individual in 2017. The investigations were prompted by a police report that gained traction on social media.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar stated that the first investigation paper was opened under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which addresses public servants accepting valuable items without consideration from individuals linked to their official duties. If found guilty, offenders could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.

The police are also investigating under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which pertains to defamation and carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both. Additionally, possible offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 are being examined, with penalties including a fine of up to RM500,000, up to two years in prison, or both, if convicted.

An application for an Order to Investigate under Section 108(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code will be submitted to the Public Prosecutor to facilitate further investigations. This process will include recording witness statements and verifying the status of previous investigations conducted by the MACC.

Datuk M. Kumar advised the public to refrain from speculating on the case and to use social media responsibly to maintain peace and security in the country. Previously, in October, Malaysian Corruption Watch urged the MACC and the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board to investigate the allegations to protect the agency’s integrity. The case was initially investigated by the MACC in 2018 but was closed after no wrongdoing was found.