MACC records statement from chairman
KEPALA BATAS: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), investigating Penang Zakat’s alleged graft scandal, has recorded a statement from Penang Islamic Council president Datuk Mohd Salleh Man to assist in its investigation.
Salleh, who is also Penang Zakat chairman, said high-ranking officers, including the Penang Islamic Affairs Department director and Penang Zakat secretary, also had their statements taken by the graftbusters last Friday.
“Several high-ranking officers and I have given our statements over allegations of misappropriation and criminal breach of trust of Penang Zakat’s development project funds.
“I can’t comment much about the matter, and will leave it to MACC to carry out its investigation,” he said here yesterday.
Salleh said Penang Zakat had not yet decided on a restructuring of the agency’s top officials as it was awaiting the outcome of MACC’s investigation.
“Those arrested are only called to assist in investigations. No charges were brought against them. Let us wait and see the progress in the investigation.”
Yesterday, three people, arrested on Monday for alleged links to the agency’s graft scandal, were produced at the magistrate’s court here for remand.
Magistrate L. Umma Devi granted a six-day remand against the trio, aged between 33 and 49.
Sources told the New Straits Times that two of the three arrested were executives of Penang Zakat, while the third person was a clerk.
“We are investigating to determine their involvement, if any, in the graft scandal.
“It is still too early to say anything. We are recording their statements to assist in our investigation,” the source said.
The three, all clad in orange MACC lock-up T-shirts, arrived in court at 2.40pm.
The issue came to light after MACC detained 11 people on May 9 for alleged involvement in the Penang Zakat graft scandal that had been going on for the past three years.
Among those detained were the agency’s chief executive officer, whose remand had been extended by another four days, since Monday.
It was reported that investigations into the case began in December after MACC received several complaints from the public.
State MACC director Datuk Abdul Aziz Aban had said that the 11 detained were suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to share the profit gained from Penang Zakat community development contracts with the contractors and suppliers.
They were detained under Section 17(a), 17(b) and 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which carries up to 20 years in jail or fine five times bribe.
MACC is investigating the amount of bribery involved and assets acquired through the bribes.