MACC REMANDS ‘THE STAR’ EMPLOYEE

Suspect allegedly used commission’s name to solicit bribes

THARANYA ARUMUGAM PUTRAJAYA tharanya@nst.com.my

THE Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) has obtained a six-day remand order against an assistant manager in the editorial department of an English daily to facilitate a corruption investigation.

The remand order against T. Prakash, 54, who works for the Star Media Group Bhd, was issued by magistrate Nik Isfahanie Wan Ab Rahman.

The suspect was taken to court yesterday for his remand hearing at 9.15am.

Prakash had reportedly asked for RM70,000 from a very important person (VIP) whose case is being investigated by MACC.

He had allegedly solicited the money from the VIP, claiming he knew someone from the commission who could help close the case.

He was arrested at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur at 9.30pm on Tuesday. He had about RM20,000.

The case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said the commission viewed the matter seriously.

Azam said the commission would not compromise on any action that could tarnish its reputation.

“This isn’t the first time that such an incident has happened where people claimed they can help solve cases being investigated by us. We have taken action against several people for using MACC’s name to solicit bribes.”

The commission advised the public, especially those who were being investigated for corruption, to be cautious when approached by such people.