The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has decided to take action against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who refused to apologise for making a statement which was allegedly slanderous in nature against the agency.

MACC, in a statement today, said it would refer its decision to Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali for further action under the provisions of the law.

"The highest management of MACC has unanimously decided to take action against Lim," said MACC.

On Aug 25, MACC gave Lim 48 hours to tender an open and unconditional apology to the commission or face legal action following his statement that the detention of Penang state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh by MACC was illegal.

MACC stressed that it respected the freedom of any quarter to criticise but would not at all compromise if they issued slanderous statements specifically related to investigations being conducted by MACC with the aim of tarnishing the image and reputation of MACC.

"MACC has no vested interest in any investigation and will investigate every case without taking into account posts, political ideologies and the positions of the individuals being investigated," said the commission. -- BERNAMA