MACC CLEARS AZEEZ OF BRIBERY
Probe shows he has no links to project, did not receive alleged RM3m bribe
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim has been cleared of allegations that he received a RM3 million bribe in connection with a Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) probe into the Penang undersea tunnel project.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the commission’s investigations showed that there was no evidence of Azeez’s involvement in the matter and that the accusations were “baseless”.
He said the commission had retrieved documents to assist its investigations, and the subsequent probe had cleared Azeez.
“Based on our investigations, Azeez did not have any links to the Penang undersea tunnel project or those related to its construction. MACC verified the documents relating to the case before arriving at the decision.”
He said Azeez, who is also Tabung Haji chairman, had nothing to do with the tunnel project and did not receive the alleged bribe.
“MACC has no reason to continue its probe (into
Azeez’s involvement) as Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC) has withdrawn its letter of demand and apologised to Azeez for its mistake.”
Azeez had denied dealings with the company or its senior management.
Azeez, who lodged a report alleging that his name was being used by unscrupulous parties, said CZC withdrew its letter of demand, dated Feb 27. He said CZC had retracted claims made in a letter issued to his lawyer on March 3 and apologised through the company’s lawyer. The company reportedly offered to help Azeez clear his name.
The allegation came about after a 64-year-old Datuk was remanded for four days from March 3 in connection with an alleged RM3 million bribe to close investigations involving the tunnel project.
On Feb 27, a 37-year-old Datuk Seri was picked up for allegedly receiving RM19 million to influence MACC to close its probe.
MACC also froze four bank accounts totalling RM3.6 million and seized four vehicles worth RM1.3 million.
In George Town, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he was prepared to face Azeez in court for defamatory remarks he allegedly made against the latter.
The DAP secretarygeneral reiterated that he would not apologise to Azeez over claims that the latter had received RM3 million for consultancy work in regulatory compliance and risk management for the Penang undersea tunnel project.
Lim confirmed receiving Azeez’s letter of demand, which was sent to his office yesterday.
“See you in court! I am prepared to face the letter of demand sent by Azeez,” he said yesterday.
Azeez had given Lim four days to retract and publicly apologise for his remarks.