‘Only proper for Annuar to give explanation to Mara internal audit committee’

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Annuar Musa was not asked to provide an explanation at the special meeting of the Mara Council yesterday because the members felt that it is only proper for him to give the explanation to the Mara internal audit committee, it was stated yesterday.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Annuar was suspended as chairman of Majis Amanah Rakyat ( Mara) and Pelaburan Mara Bhd ( PMB) because he was under investigation by the audit committee.

“Tan Sri Annuar Musa was not invited to the meeting because it was about him,” he said.

Ismail Sabri said Annuar’s suspension was until the internal audit committee completed its investigation. The special meeting of the Mara Council, chaired by council member Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, made the unanimous decision to suspend Annuar.

In a statement yesterday, the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission said it had opened an investigation into Annuar and would confine its probe to the issue of corruption and abuse of power over the sponsorship of the Kelantan football team. The MACC said the investigation pertaining to governance would be conducted by the Mara internal auditors.

Ismail Sabri said: “I respect the decision of the meeting which seeks to resolve the issue involving Mara and its subsidiary in totality.

“Nevertheless, I suggest that the internal investigation be completed fast to restore the people’s confidence in Mara.”

Ismail Sabri said he was informed that the special meeting yesterday was also attended by representatives from the Finance Ministry and Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department. — Bernama