COMMENT | No right to deprive access to lawyers during questioning

COMMENT | We refer to the press statement by the MACC on June 9, 2023 in response to our statement regarding MACC’s denial of legal counsel during the questioning or interrogation process.

We are appalled by their response, which essentially states that they can and will deprive the public of their right to lawyers during questioning as they see fit.

This is arbitrary, unlawful, and unbefitting a key enforcement agency of a democratic nation.

It is entirely dishonest for MACC to simply assume that as a legally empowered body, it means it will or has adhered to the Federal Constitution.

The death of Teoh Beng Hock and Ahmad Sarbani while in MACC custody, both of whom were denied access to lawyers when interrogation was conducted, are proof enough that our assertions of their denial of rights are not malicious.

It is a legitimate public concern that they have...