Phee: What RM2 million?

GEORGE TOWN: Penang exco member for Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Phee Boon Poh has denied he has RM2 million in his personal bank accounts as reported in several newspapers yesterday.

Phee said he has not been served any notice by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) informing him that his personal bank accounts had been frozen.

“I have just been discharged from hospital after taking medical leave. I am shocked as to how these newspapers can gain access to such information,” he told a press conference at Komtar yesterday.

He said it was wrong for such information to be disclosed or published, especially when he has not been informed and only read it in newspapers.

He said he would be filing legal action against Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times, The Star, Sin Chew Jit Poh as well the other media agencies which he claimed were out to destroy his reputation and the image of the Penang government.

Yesterday, several publications reported that four of Phee’s personal accounts were frozen by MACC pending investigations into an illegal carbon-filter factory in Sungai Lembu, Bukit Mertajam.

Yesterday was Phee’s first day in office after he was released from remand last Monday.

MACC and other federal enforcement agencies raided the factory on Aug 10 after receiving complaints from residents in its vicinity.

Phee and two senior management staff of the factory were detained the day after the raid.

MACC initially obtained a five-day remand order against the trio but the Penang High Court set aside the order.

Also at the press conference were Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and state exco members who welcomed Phee on his return.

Phee’s counsel, R.S.N. Rayer, said it was irresponsible for MACC to have leaked information on the case.

“Can you imagine having the world know that he has RM2 million? He does not have that kind of money but even if it is true, it definitely exposes Phee and his family to unnecessary risks,” he said, adding it was also irresponsible for the media to have published such details.

Rayer said he has not been informed whether Phee’s accounts have been frozen by MACC.