GEORGE TOWN, Aug. 27 -- The Penang government will defer to Putrajaya on the status of a federal agency chairman currently under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged abuse of power in a land disposal deal.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also said that the state respects the MACC's jurisdiction and will allow the agency to conduct its probe without interference.

"I believe this is under the MACC's jurisdiction and we are giving the MACC space to continue its investigation," Chow said when asked for comment.

Addressing whether the chairman should be suspended, Chow clarified that the authority lies with the federal government, as the entity in question is a federal agency rather than a state-run body...