by AUFA MARDHIAH

THE government is considering legal action against the international news outlet, Bloomberg, in response to allegations that Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim meddled in a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation.

Anwar responded by pointing out that the news report published on Sept 26 was Bloomberg’s second false accusation, following a previous claim about his involvement in a casino approval with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.

“The first allegation was never discussed by the Cabinet or His Majesty,” Anwar told Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Perikatan Nasional-Pasir Mas), who asked whether the government is prepared to take legal action against Bloomberg in light of the alleged interference by the PM in the MACC investigation, which could tarnish Anwar’s image in the fight against abuse of power and corruption.

Anwar said his directives to the MACC, Inland Revenue Board, police and other enforcement bodies were general, urging them to combat corruption. He emphasized that no specific cases were involved and stressed that both the MACC and the Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) must act independently.

He added that the police had already taken action, interviewing Bloomberg representatives and related individuals on Oct 1 and 11, and said AGC might take any necessary legal action.

The police have received reports and taken several actions. Since the matter is under investigation, I will leave it to them to conduct the inquiry and for the Attorney General to take the necessary steps.

“We are awaiting the police report, and if clear wrongdoing is found, it will be up to the AG to prosecute,” he said.

On Sept 26, Bloomberg quoted sources as saying that Anwar had instructed MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki to investigate former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his children.

The report also claimed that Azam was instructed by Anwar not to investigate his former political secretary, Farhash Wafa Salvador, over the controversial purchase of shares in a company linked to the development of a new billion-ringgit immigration system.