PUTRAJAYA: Police have been directed to carry out a thorough investigation into reports lodged by several Opposition lawmakers on claims to have been offered cash and other incentives in exchange for their support for the Perikatan Nasional government, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

       The Home Minister noted that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission was also looking into the matter.

       "The investigations are also ongoing to determine the authenticity of the claims made by the lawmakers.

       "The Home Ministry will ensure that action will be taken, without any compromise against parties that have been proven to have committed crimes, including those who have lodged police reports that are fake and slanderous in nature," he said.

       Earlier, the MACC said it had met with three DAP lawmakers over claims that they had been offered money and other incentives in exchange for their support for the Perikatan Nasional government.

       “For now, the MACC has yet to be able to identify the owners of the handphone numbers that had sent messages via WhatsApp to the lawmakers.

       “The MACC gives its assurance to continue investigating the matter,” it said in a statement Monday (Aug 9).

       The anti-graft agency said that while it views the matter seriously, the public should refrain from making any speculation on the issue and should allow the agency to investigate.