Shambolic MACC presser raises further questions about anti-graft body’s integrity

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR – A special press conference by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to clear its name amid worsening public perception did anything but.

From barring certain media entry to disregarding the need for an independent probe into allegations of improprieties, the presser yesterday did not do the anti-graft body any favours.

From the get-go, the handling of the press conference was a complete disaster.

Several journalists who arrived for the event were greeted with a “no entry” message by MACC personnel at the front gate, who said only 40 “registered” practitioners had been given the clearance to do coverage at MACC’s main auditorium, which could fit 300 people (or 150, if social distancing is taken into account).

The Vibes was among those initially barred entry, alongside others, including from Malay Mail, The Malaysian Insight and Malaysia Gazette, who all knew nothing about the requirement to register.

An MACC officer, when contacted, informed that the top management had already decided which media organisations were allowed into the conference, in the name of public health measures.

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