MACC probing another big fish living life lavishly
PETALING JAYA: A federal agency director is under probe for living beyond his means – the third high-profile case within a month – involving the top decision maker of an organisation.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) got wind of the suspect’s “questionable” wealth and initiated a probe.
It is learnt that the 59-year-old man has helmed the agency the past few years.
“He has come under our radar since we received reliable information on his lavish lifestyle.
“We believe the suspect has abused his position and received kickbacks by approving contracts under his purview to several contractors over the years.
“The amount of bribes solicited is said to be worth hundreds of thousands of ringgit from contracts worth several million,” said a source.
The MACC is now checking the suspect’s bank accounts, said to contain several million ringgit.
Graft investigators are also tracing properties and assets under his name and his family members.
“All these proceeds are believed to be ill-gotten gains from corrupt practices. The suspect is a director based in one of the Federal Territories,” added the source.
The case is being investigated under the MACC Act and AntiMoney Laundering and CounterTerrorism Financing Act.
MACC deputy chief commissoner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki confirmed that MACC was investigating the case.
Saying the suspect would be picked up “very soon”, Azam stressed that MACC was committed to fighting all forms of corruption and abuse of power.
Last week, a 50-year-old director of a government-linked company (GLC), who is a Datuk, was detained for alleged abuse of power and corruption.
The MACC also picked up his younger brother and a managing director of a company, and froze bank accounts with RM40.1mil. In addition, a dozen of luxury cars were impounded and four luxury watches, valued at RM300,000, were seized from the three suspects.
Earlier this month, the MACC arrested a 56-year-old general manager of another GLC at his house in Seremban to assist in a corruption probe.
During the raid, cash amounting to RM30,000, two cars – an Audi TT and a Toyota Hilux – and a Harley Davidson bike were seized while several bank accounts containing RM2.5mil were frozen.