Group demands answers from Azam Baki after lawyers representing clients held in MACC lock-up

Rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has condemned the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for detaining two lawyers acting for their clients in a property dispute.

LFL director Zaid Malek said the commission had no right to interfere in the work of lawyers representing their clients.

He said MACC also has no right to request documents relating to the case or ask them to provide details about the progress of the case.

Lawyers Lai Chee Hoe and Irwin Lo were detained at the MACC lock-up in Putrajaya from June 4 to 6.

"Why is MACC intimidating lawyers performing their professional duty?" Zaid said at a press conference attended by the duo.

Lai said he was visited by several MACC officials at his office on the evening of June 4, and asked for the letter of appointment to represent his client in a case involving a property dispute.

He was then asked to appear at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, but was arrested that night before being released two days later.

Zaid called on MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki to take responsibility for the incident and said he was responsible for the behaviour of his officers.

"We want an explanation.

"Why would they be called unlawfully and required to disclose the documents unlawfully?"