13-7-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian government has distanced itself from the alleged wrongdoings of three officers from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) who are accused of robbing and extorting bribes from a Chinese national, Gao Kun. The government argues that it cannot be held vicariously liable for the trio’s actions, which it claims were carried out on a “frolic of their own.”
The case revolves around a purported raid conducted on December 10, 2021, at Gao’s residence, during which he alleges that the three MACC officers – Fahmee Nor, Azwad Asli, and Haffiz Radzi – robbed and extorted him. In response to a lawsuit filed by Gao, the government has filed its defence at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur, asserting that the officers were not acting within the scope of their official duties.
According to the government’s defence, there is no record of any investigation being conducted on Gao, and the trio did not obtain permission to carry out the raid. The government maintains that the officers acted independently, and their actions were not part of their official responsibilities.
“There was no record of any investigation conducted on Gao, and the trio did not obtain permission to carry out the raid, the government said,” the defence states. “It was entitled to seek an indemnity from the trio for any liability towards Gao, who is a permanent resident under the Malaysia My Second Home programme.”
Gao’s lawsuit, filed on May 14, implicates not only the three officers but also the MACC chief commissioner, a politician, and the politician’s wife. In his statement of claim, Gao alleges that the purported raid would not have happened without a tip-off from the politician and his wife, who are described as close associates of Gao’s family members.
Furthermore, Gao claims that the politician’s wife appeared at his apartment after the purported raid, demanding RM10 million (approximately $2.2 million) to “settle” the matter. He also alleges that the couple had previously borrowed RM2.1 million (approximately $470,000) from him, which remains unpaid, and had repeatedly requested to borrow an additional RM10 million, which he refused.
In December of the previous year, the three MACC officers pleaded not guilty when charged in the Kuala Lumpur sessions court with carrying out a gang robbery on Gao.
