Navy procurement 'cartel': Officer, businessman remanded over naval camp construction affair

AN OFFICER of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and a company owner, who were arrested in relation to an alleged cartel that is said to have controlled procurement for a navy camp to the tune of RM9 million, have been remanded for five days.

The remand order against the two suspects, aged 42 and 55, starting today was issued by Johor Bahru senior assistant registrar Nurkhalida Farhana Abu Bakar.

The duo had earlier arrived in handcuffs at the Johor Baru Magistrate's Court premise wearing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) lock-up attire at about 9am.

They had been arrested at the Johor MACC office at 4pm yesterday to assist in the investigation on the case.

It was reported that the investigation includes the issue of full payment having been made even though construction of the camp was not complete.

Johor MACC director Datuk Azmi Alias ​​informed that the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, which deals with the alleged offence of “intending to deceive principal by agent”.

Earlier, on January 19, three other individuals aged between 28 and 47 were also remanded to assist in the investigation on the same case.

All of them are reportedly believed to be among those involved with the procurement syndicate that dealt with 13 supplier companies in managing construction works at the navy camp last year.

On January 19, the RMN had confirmed that some of its members were summoned by the MACC for questioning over the 'procurement cartel' involving building works at one of its base camps.

Navy commander Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob said that the MACC had also taken some documents to facilitate its investigation.

"The Navy will not compromise with any of its members involved in wrongdoings and they should be aware of the actions they will face if they do something wrong," he had said.

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) also assured its full cooperation with the MACC over its investigation on this case..

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he hoped that appropriate action would be taken against those involved, to serve as a lesson to all parties.

“There is an investigation; let the MACC investigate so that the appropriate actions can be taken," he had said.

“As defence minister, I welcome and will cooperate with the MACC, and I hope this will serve as a lesson so that approved government projects reach their targets.” – The Vibes, February 14, 2024