THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has not ruled out the involvement of a prominent politician as it widens its probe into Menteri Besar Incoporated (MBI Selangor).
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki did not deny the involvement of the politician and that 15 witnesses had so far been called in to facilitate the investigation.
The investigation concerns sand mining concessions managed by the state's investment arm.
"I can’t reveal the name of the politician. He will be called when the time is right.
"We need to gather all the evidence and verify them first, before making the call,” he said when approached by reporters in Kota Kinabalu, today.
Azam said 15 witnesses have been called and more will likely be called to assist in the investigation.
Azam also clarified that four individuals – three men and a woman – have been arrested in connection with the case so far.
Of the four, only one remains in custody following raids conducted at various locations on Saturday and last night, he said.
One of the suspects, a 45-year-old man who used to work in MBI was released after being detained for a day due to health complications related to prostate cancer.
A 43-year-old driver was also released after three days in custody, while a 46-year-old woman, who previously served as a finance officer at a company linked to MBI, was freed after a similar three-day remand.
The remaining suspect in custody, a man in his 40s, was remanded on October 10, with his detention extended until October 15.
MACC uncovered SGD1.529 million (around RM5 million) in what has been described as a "safe house."
This discovery led investigators to two additional “safehouses” located around Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley and Selangor in several raids conducted on Saturday and Sunday.
"At one of the sites, we found approximately RM243,000, and at another, an office we uncovered RM78,000," Azam revealed.
Azam said MACC discovered some funds had been invested in Singapore while more could be hidden in other possible safehouses or banks.
"We are still following the money trail, and additional arrests or witnesses may be called as the investigation expands," he said.
The MACC is pursuing the case under both the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act. - October 14, 2024
