Former chairman Isa, wife questioned for 4 hours by MACC
MACC records statements from ex-FGV chairman, wife
FORMER Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad and his wife, Puan Sri Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid, were yesterday questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for four hours.
Isa, dressed in a grey suit, looked calm when he arrived at the MACC headquarters at 9.40am yesterday with Bibi.
When they exited four hours later, Isa, in responding to queries from the media, said it was “normal” for board members to be called up for questioning.
“All other board members are also being investigated. I believe I’m the last one (to be called). As chairman, being called up to give a statement is normal,” he said.
Isa said he did not surrender any evidence to MACC and only provided explanations.
He declined to reveal what the allegations against him were, reiterating that it was up to MACC to disclose the matter to the public.
FGV is being investigated by the commission for alleged misconduct and abuse of power, following a boardroom tussle involving suspended chief executive officer Datuk Zakaria Arshad.
It was reported that MACC was probing, among others, claims that a top official had allowed FGV to pay for his wife’s firstclass flight tickets although she was not entitled to such benefits.
On June 8, Isa was quoted as saying that he had “no reason” to resign as he had not done anything wrong.
The tussle worsened when Isa directed Zakaria and three other FGV officials to take a leave of absence. Zakaria had his statement recorded by MACC last week.
Isa, when asked if he believed he was innocent, said: “I can’t say. I don’t want to jump the gun. I am leaving it to the MACC to make the decision.
“How do I know (whether I’m guilty or not)? I replied and gave my statements on what was being asked. That’s all.”
On why his wife was called up as well, he replied that all those whose names were mentioned would be asked to have their statements recorded.
On his appointment as acting Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman, Isa said he accepted the appointment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“I don’t know (whether the worst is over). I am going to SPAD because the prime minister asked me to go,” he said, adding that today would be his first day at the agency.
On Monday, Najib announced that Isa had voluntarily relinquished his position and appointed Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob as acting FGV chairman. Najib said in appreciation of Isa’s contributions and to ensure continuity of his services, he was appointed as acting chairman of SPAD.