MACC may call up more people in SDFC probe
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) investigators are scrutinising a statement recorded from Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot in connection with its probe into alleged misappropriation of money from the Skills Development Fund Corporation (SDFC).
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad said the commission might call up more people to have their statements recorded.
“Give us time and space to conduct the investigation and complete it. The investigation is ongoing and there are suspects detained. If needed, we will call up more people,” he said after closing MACC’s Kembara Jelajah Anti-Rasuah programme.
He said MACC would call whomever it deemed necessary and seize documents pertaining to the case should the need arise.
Riot on Friday appeared at MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya to give his statement in relation to the alleged misappropriation.
He spent 10 hours in the building. It was reported that his political secretary had been remanded for six days to assist in the probe.
Meanwhile, the remand order on the 61year-old “Datuk”, effective until Oct 3, was issued by magistrate Azizah Ahmad.
He was being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for giving or accepting gratification by an agent.
The man, who is a member of the
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), attached to its Serian branch, was detained at MACC headquarters at 12.30pm on Wednesday after having his statement recorded.
It was reported that the probe involves misappropriation of allocations channelled into SDFC.
The man is the fifth to be arrested in connection with the probe. Four people were arrested last month at several locations here.
Initial investigations revealed that they had allegedly embezzled RM15 million last year and RM25 million this year.
The SDFC was established in June 2006 under the Skills Development Fund Act 2004 to manage the fund, which was previously run by the Skills Development Fund Division under the Human Resources Ministry.
On another matter, Dzulkifli said investigations into property purchases by Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC) would be completed within two weeks and be handed to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for action.
“We will try to complete the investigation and submit it by next week or the following week,” he said.