MACC wrapping up probe into Penang tunnel project
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is in the final stages of its investigation into the RM6.3 billion Penang Undersea Tunnel project.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki said investigators were expected to wrap up the investigation papers within the next two to three weeks before submitting them to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) for their advice on the next course of action.
Azam said the investigation into the controversial project was slowed down since March due to the Movement Control Order.
He said even his predecessor, Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull, had said previously that it had opened up investigation papers into the project.
“This case is ongoing. We (MACC) received new evidence and leads, and are in the final stages of wrapping up the investigation. It is long overdue. The issue of reopening this case does not arise,” he said on his first official working visit to the state MACC office here yesterday after assuming the post.
He was here to present the Excellent Service Awards and Chief Commissioner Awards to the state’s MACC officers. Penang is the eighth state he has visited.
He said MACC would forward its suggestions to the DPP as to how the things happened in the case and if any criminality had occurred.
“The individuals involved will be named in the investigation papers. I can’t name anyone yet. But let me assure you that our investigation is fair and transparent.”
Asked on the new evidence, Azam said there were numerous.
“We had visited several state offices and interviewed many people. In the past five days, we had spoken and recorded statements from 32 witnesses.
“I am made to understand from the investigators that they will meet another 10 to 15 witnesses next week,” he said.
Asked if any VIP would be arrested, Azam said: “I can’t comment
The individuals involved will be named in the investigation papers. I can’t name anyone yet. But let me assure you that our investigation is fair and transparent.
DATUK SERI AZAM BAKI
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner
on how many VIPs will be arrested, but rest assured that the investigation is being conducted fairly.
“When we make an arrest, it is because there is a need to do so. For now, I have not received any report on further arrests. I leave it to my investigating officers to make the call (on whether to arrest anyone or not),” he said.
Azam was asked why MACC was still summoning many witnesses despite claiming it was wrapping up the investigation.
“This investigation is not like what you see in movies. It is not a case where you think you can finish it up today or tomorrow. It depends on the situation and the condition of the case.
“When we record statements from witnesses, they relate many details.
“So, we need to go into specifics of all of them,” he said. On Wednesday, the New Straits Times reported that the MACC had re-launched a probe into the project following new evidence, which it received on the matter.
Sources close to the investigation told the NST that more witnesses from the Penang government would be called in to assist in the probe.
Former Penang Port Commission chairman Jeffrey Chew was the first to be arrested on Tuesday. He is on a four-day remand.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government would cooperate with MACC on the probe.
He had said MACC had notified the state government of its intention to interview state leaders.
The project had courted controversy, especially over its RM305 million feasibility studies and the nearly two-year delay in its completion.
It consists of four components, including three road projects measuring 30km and an undersea tunnel.
In April last year, a businessman who was implicated in a scandal related to the tunnel project was slapped with 68 moneylaundering charges involving RM11.4 million.