[UPDATED] Jana Wibawa: MACC still investigating Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe into Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for his involvement in the Jana Wibawa stimulus initiative has yet to be completed.

In a press conference at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the investigation paper has not been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

“Investigations are ongoing,” he was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.

He added that several investigation papers linked to Jana Wibawa will be opened.

Meanwhile, Azam said the researcher who alleged that MACC offered RM10 million to former Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan to supposedly alter his statement was arrested yesterday for obstruction.

He added that Mohamad Shafiq Abdul Halim was arrested at about 3.30pm yesterday after the researcher showed up at MACC headquarters when summoned.

Previously, Shafiq had apologised for his remarks, saying he did not intend to accuse anyone and described his remarks as responses to rumours.

This came after a 44-second video was shared on Twitter where a man alleged that MACC offered RM10 million to Wan Saiful.

This week Wan Saiful claimed trial to two charges of soliciting and receiving bribes worth RM6.9 million to help a private firm to secure a central spine road government contract worth RM232 million.

Also, Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad was again charged – with two counts of accepting bribes amounting to RM4.1 million linked to the Jana Wibawa initiative.

Separately, he also claimed trial to another two charges of soliciting and bribery linked to the Jana Wibawa initiative.

In addition, a director of a furniture company, Datuk Teo Wee Cheng, pleaded not guilty in the sessions court here yesterday to nine charges of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to RM12.87 million in connection with the Jana Wibawa.

Jana Wibawa, also known as “Program Jana Ekonomi Pemerkasaan Kontraktor Bumiputera Berwibawa”, aimed to expedite project execution by Bumiputera contractors, as part of moves to boost the country’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scheme involved pre-qualification tenders or direct awards in accordance with Finance Ministry guidelines on direct award processes.

It was reported that the implementation of the RM5.7 billion Jana Wibawa project was postponed for a review of whether its procurement procedure was made in compliance with the rules set by the Treasury.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said it was postponed as there were elements of selective tender or direct negotiation in the procurement process. – The Vibes, February 23, 2023