Umno veep candidate assists in investigation

PUTRAJAYA: Umno vicepresidential candidate Datuk Seri Ahmad Said says he is not trying to boost his chances in the party elections by aiding investigations into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The former Terengganu mentri besar said he gave his statement to the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission ( MACC) as he believed a leader should have integrity and be transparent.

“We must have these traits, even if we have to sacrifice our position,” he told reporters yesterday.

The Kijal assemblyman is one of seven candidates vying for three vicepresident seats in the Umno polls this Saturday.

He arrived at the MACC headquarters at 9.30am yesterday and was questioned for five hours.

Apart from explaining the role and function of the Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), which morphed into 1MDB in early 2009, Ahmad also verified 17 pages of documents shown to him.

TIA was a sovereign wealth fund set up in 2008 to spur sustainable socioeconomic development in Terengganu for the long term.

Ahmad said he confirmed information which was accurate and pointed out what was not correct, but declined to reveal what documents were shown to him.

“It would disrupt MACC’s probe. I don’t want what I say to the media to affect the case,” he added.

Ahmad also confirmed that he gave his statement voluntarily.

“I said before that I was willing to help and the officers told me to come whenever I was available.

“It just so happens that I am in Kuala Lumpur and I am free. That’s why I’m here,” he explained.