MACC to question several past key players in graft probe
PUTRAJAYA: Several key influential figures from the previous administration are expected to be hauled up for questioning as graft investigators dig deeper into scandals that allegedly occurred during Barisan Nasional’s administration.
The names of several prominent individuals – from politicians to former senior civil servants – have cropped up as among those who will be called by the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) soon, possibly next week.
Among those expected to be called up are former Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, former Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali and former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
MACC refused to confirm or deny when asked about the names.
It is learnt that these individuals would be called to have their statements recorded on several cases brought to MACC’s attention.
“We are investigating cases involving big names, but MACC is not at liberty to share the nature of our investigation for now. You will know soon enough,” said a source to The Star when asked on the matter.
While it is not known what these individuals would be questioned on, sources hinted that Khalid would have to answer questions on “contracts and tenders” awarded to police.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said that many more would be charged with offences committed by the previous government as one of the steps to resolve the problems created by them.
To date, MACC has charged former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, former treasury secretarygeneral Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah and former spy agency chief Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid with various offences, including corruption, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and his lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah have also been hit with court charges.
It is also learnt that Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim will be charged soon.
Abdul Azeez, who is Baling MP, spent 10 days under remand as MACC looked into allegations of bribery and money laundering said to have been committed by him.
Sources said MACC had already wrapped up investigations and was waiting for the green light from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Meanwhile, a senior police officer has been remanded as graft investigators look into allegations of bribery amounting to over RM100,000.
The officer, from the police headquarters in Bukit Aman, will be held for five days until Oct 30.
The senior officer, 56, was arrested at 7.10pm on Thursday while giving his statement to investigators.
He allegedly asked for inducement in order not to take action against a corporal, who is believed to be in the “business” of helping motorists to reduce their traffic summonses.