KUALA LUMPUR – A source from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is a suspect in its ongoing investigation into the Jana Wibawa government stimulus initiative.
This is despite the Perikatan Nasional chairman refuting the matter yesterday after being questioned by MACC recently.
New Straits Times quoted the source as affirming that Muhyiddin was called in by the anti-graft body to provide his statement as a suspect, and also that former finance minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz would be probed.
In this regard, he said the Pagoh MP should not issue any speculative comments to avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation.
“Investigations are also underway against several individuals, including Zafrul,” the source was quoted as saying.
Yesterday, Muhyiddin confirmed to reporters that he had given his statement to MACC pertaining to the Jana Wibawa probe, but said he is only a witness in the case and not a suspect.
The Bersatu president said he had informed investigators that the prime minister’s role in the Jana Wibawa scheme was merely to recommend names of Bumiputera contractors for the approval of the Finance Ministry, then helmed by Zafrul.
He further explained that the programme, the brainchild of Zafrul, was to help contractors affected by the pandemic.
“Only the Finance Ministry had the power to approve and select the companies, whereas the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) suggested the names of the companies. But the power of approval was not with the PMO.
“I explained this to MACC. I asked if I was a suspect, I was told ‘no’,” Muhyiddin said.
Last night, Zafrul, who is now international trade and industry minister, said he is prepared to be probed over allegations involving the stimulus initiative.
“The media asked me about Jana Wibawa. There’s nothing to hide, and I am always ready to give my statement if asked,” he had said.
On February 15, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that approvals for RM5.7 billion worth of rural development projects under Jana Wibawa had been postponed pending a review to determine if the awards were done in accordance with the procurement process and governance requirements. – The Vibes, February 19, 2023
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