MACC detains seven for bribery probe
Property developer’s deputy GM and director allegedly sought payments to favour contractors
PETALING JAYA: A deputy general manager and a project director of a property developer, along with five others, have been arrested by the anti-graft body over allegations of misuse of power to solicit bribes from contractors.
The 44-year-old deputy general manager and the 55-year-old project director were believed to have received kickbacks in exchange for ensuring that certain contractors receive full payment from their monthly claims for landscape maintenance works, according to sources.
The duo were arrested at the Johor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC) headquarters yesterday.
A 34-year-old woman, who is the personal assistant of the deputy general manager, was also arrested, said the sources.
Initial investigations revealed that the project, worth around RM44mil, was awarded to eight companies via three categories – e-bidding, one-off contract and maintenance.
According to the sources, investigators also discovered a suspicious payment of RM2.4mil into the accounts of the deputy general manager and his wife from the eight companies, made through four proxies.
The four proxies were arrested between 10am to 12pm yesterday in Putrajaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Melaka.
The MACC is believed to have since frozen 15 bank accounts belonging to the deputy general manager and the contractor companies for further investigations.
It is learnt that the deputy general manager would order one of the property developer’s executive to award 80% marks to the contractors for the landscaping works for them to receive the full monthly payment.
The project director has the authority to appoint the contractors, suppliers and consultants besides approving payments and claims for the contractors.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operation) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the investigating team had seized various documents from several locations including the property developer’s office.
“We will study all the documents to determine if there are elements of corruption and misuse of power,” he said.
The suspects are expected to be remanded at the Putrajaya magistrate’s court today to facilitate investigations.