Perlis MB’s lawyer concerned about trial by public opinion

Perlis menteri besar Shukri Ramli (left) spent nearly eight hours at MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should not have disclosed the details of its investigation into Perlis menteri besar Shukri Ramli as it may lead to a trial by public opinion, says his lawyer.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki told Malaysiakini yesterday that Shukri was detained and released on MACC bail after he had his statement recorded in connection with an alleged abuse of power case.

Shukri’s lawyer, Fadhly Yaacob, said MACC should not have provided the media with such information.

He said the anti-graft agency should not have revealed that Shukri’s son and several others were being investigated over the alleged falsification of documents related to claims for infrastructure projects worth RM600,000.

“As a lawyer, I think the details about the investigation should not be made public,” Fadhly told Berita Harian.

“This will lead to an unfair trial by public opinion for my client,” he said when asked about the specifics of the MACC’s investigation into Shukri.

The Perlis menteri besar spent nearly eight hours at MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday.

When met by reporters as he was leaving the building, Shukri claimed to be in the dark about why he was called in for questioning.

“For various cases. I’m not sure myself,” he said when asked why he was summoned to the MACC’s headquarters.

Berita Harian reported that Azam did not rule out the possibility of calling Shukri in again for questioning.

“This depends on the findings of our investigation,” he said.