MACC’s RM92.5 bil stimulus probe politically motivated against Perikatan: Wan Saiful

BUTTERWORTH – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation into the alleged misappropriation of RM92.5 billion is politically motivated to undermine opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN), said Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

He said PN is being targeted after it did well in last year’s general election, adding that the coalition is the only political force to mount a serious challenge to the ruling government.

“PN had on several occasions been accused of abusing funds as much as RM600 billion. This figure is constantly changing. Now, the probe is being continued,” he said after a constituency visit in Tasek Gelugor.

He added that PN should not fear the investigation as the funds were used in fiscal packages aimed at propping up the economy during the Covid-19 lockdowns over the last three years, especially when PN was in government.

Wan Saiful said any PN leader summoned by the MACC will give their full cooperation since they have nothing to hide.

Meanwhile, he said PN is confident of winning a majority in the state elections in Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu when polls are held sometime this year.

On January 6, MACC detained a chief executive officer of a private company late last night on suspicion of being a middleman in the distribution of government projects under the economic stimulus package between 2020 and 2022.

A source from the MACC said the 42-year-old man, who is believed to have accepted bribes to serve as the middleman in the projects involved, was arrested after having his statement recorded at the agency’s headquarters here.

Last month, the MACC issued a statement over the investigation that was focused on government funds amounting to RM92.5 billion under the economic stimulus and recovery initiative.

It said initial investigations revealed that the allocated amount was estimated at RM530 billion, and based on that amount, only RM92.5 billion involved government funds while the rest did not.

According to a source from the MACC, the investigation body has opened several investigation papers against at least five individuals believed to be middlemen for several companies to obtain projects worth between RM50 million and RM500 million through direct negotiations. – The Vibes, January 10, 2023