Najib’s ex-aide remanded over Sarawak solar panel probe

PUTRAJAYA: A former aide to Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been remanded for four days until today to facilitate an investigation into alleged false claims relating to the solar panel project for schools in Sarawak.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency Commission’s (MACC) Investigation Department director Datuk Simi Abdul Ghani confirmed the arrest of the man, 44, on Monday.

“He was detained after being called to MACC headquarters to have his statement recorded on the alleged embezzlement of funds from a company that was awarded a tender to install solar panels in schools in Sarawak.”

It is learnt that the remand order was issued by magistrate Shah Wira Abdul Halim following a request by MACC.

An English daily yesterday reported that the former special officer to Najib was alleged to have demanded money from a company based in Bintulu.

A source said the man was alleged to have demanded a huge sum of money.

He, however, refused to reveal the amount of money claimed, although it was believed to have amounted to millions of ringgit.

Sarawak Report previously reported that Najib had signed a RM1.25 billion solar panel installation project at 369 schools in Sarawak.

The project was alleged to have been awarded to the company without an open tender, which was in violation of the ministry’s procedure.