PETALING JAYA: Chairman of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory board Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang has voiced concerns over the agency's decision to drop 29 corruption charges against former Felda board member Datuk Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun Narrashid.

       In a statement on Wednesday (Sept 8), Abu Zahar said he takes a serious view about the corruption charges that were dropped, saying that the agency's board felt there were weaknesses in the investigation.

       Abu Zahar also noted that the withdrawal of the corruption charges is based on new facts from further investigations conducted after the suspect had put forward his representation and defence statement under Section 62 of the MACC Act 2009 during the trial.

       "There are elements absent in the investigations and the decision by the prosecutor in early February 2019 by the Attorney General, as well as the management and administration of the MACC was made without thorough consideration," he said.

       "Because action was taken on a case and there was lack of transparency and professionalism involved, and it leaned towards political interests, which have caused the current MACC management to bear its implications," added Abu Zahar

       Abu Zahar said he and the MACC advisory board do not want the MACC to be politicised by any quarters.

       "Any mistakes and weakness that happened before must not repeat itself. The principles of checks and balances that are practiced now must be implemented wisely, transparently and responsibly," he said.

       Abu Zahar also said he has held discussions with the other six board members, and they agreed to take a serious stance over the case.

       Bernama reported on Sept 1 that Ehsanuddin had been acquitted and discharged of 29 corruption charges after the prosecution withdrew the charges against him.

       The MACC had explained that Ehsanuddin was acquitted because he had returned the money before the investigations began on the 29 corruption charges.

       It also said further investigations were commenced when Ehsanuddin submitted his representation and statement of defence under Section 62 of the MACC Act 2009 during the trial.