MACC cracks down on ‘greasing the palm’ deals

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) has arrested the chairman of a construction company for his alleged role in giving bribes to secure a RM10mil project from a ministry eight years ago.

The 67-year-old was detained at the MACC headquarters here late Wednesday when he was there to give a statement.

The suspect was taken to the Magistrate Court’s yesterday to have his remand order extended.

Magistrate Shah Wira Abdul Halim allowed an application to remand him for three days until Feb 20.

MACC sources declined to name the ministry involved.

Separately, a chief executive officer and a director of another company were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from contractors to carry out renovation works at a Malaysian restaurant chain.

The 60-year-old man and 37-yearold woman were arrested by MACC on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur and the two had been remanded for five days until Feb 22.

It is believed the chief executive officer is a Hong Konger who holds permanent resident status in Singapore.

Sources said in the process of appointing contractors to renovate six restaurants, the CEO allegedly asked each contractor a commission of 15% from the price quoted for the contract.

“All the payments were deposited in another company’s account. This other company is said to belong to the 37-year-old suspect,” said a source with knowledge of the investigation.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrest of the three individuals, who are being investigated for two separate cases.