PUTRAJAYA – Former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba may be called in by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist its investigation into alleged corrupt practices involving the management of the Covid-19 pandemic.
MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said that to date, the anti-graft body has initiated 25 investigation papers (IPs) related to the pandemic, involving a variety of issues.
However, he stopped short of providing further details for each case to protect the sensitivities of all involved, but confirmed that a long list of individuals will be questioned.
Asked if this includes Dr Adham, who is now the science, technology, and innovation minister, Azam said: “I don’t want to comment on that now because it all depends on the need to do so.”
“Like I said, there are 25 IPs on a wide range of issues,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a media programme organised by MACC here today.
“That does not necessarily mean the former health minister will be summoned. We will have to see who is involved, and we will call them in.”
Azam had said on May 24 that MACC investigations had unearthed corrupt practices and bribery in the procurement of medical services and equipment to manage the Covid-19 management.
He added that other shady dealings involved abuses of power by diverting relief aid and stimulus packages, with bribery also detected among enforcement officers during the various movement control orders that were enforced.
A day later, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had pressed MACC to make public the names of those involved in the alleged corruption, while DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook urged the Public Accounts Committee to summon Azam to provide information related to the case.
Adham had previously said many procurements during the pandemic did not go through normal procedures and that there were confusions in implementation, but said he would cooperate with MACC if he is required to.
Asked to comment on Adham’s remark on confusions in the Covid-19 management, Azam said this is merely one component of the anti-graft body’s investigation.
“That is what he said, but there are also other (parts to the probe). I am not pinpointing the Health Ministry or anyone else, there are many other issues concerning the pandemic’s management.”
On the issue of alleged misappropriation of millions of ringgit of Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds, Azam said MACC is currently waiting for the deputy public prosecutor to peruse the investigation papers and evidence submitted.
“We have already proposed many charges. I think the DPP will issue consent to prosecute some of the suspects in the near future,” he said, but did not confirm if they will include government officials.
Azam had said in February that MACC had submitted its first 10 cases involving Mitra to the DPP for further action. – The Vibes, June 2, 2022
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