[UPDATED] PM confirms ongoing graft probe on leaders in govt bloc

KUALA LUMPUR – There are ongoing graft probes on several unnamed leaders in the government bloc, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

During the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar revealed that investigations are ongoing against members on both sides of the Parliament, and are not limited to probes against the opposition only. 

However, the Tambun MP said he did not have any specific knowledge of the investigations.

“I do not know (about these probes) specifically, but I have been informed there are investigations involving those in the opposition and government bloc.

“I do not know their positions. I only asked the authorities, who confirmed that there were investigations (going on).

“Whether the prosecution is made or not, is up to the authorities – the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” he added. 

Anwar was responding to a supplementary question raised by Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (Rantau Panjang-PN) on whether there are investigations conducted against MPs in the government bloc, to avoid disputes about selective prosecution.

She also asked whether a probe will be conducted on the political funds of government parties. 

Anwar reiterated his response towards an earlier question, where political funding to a party is now acceptable, but reciprocating the funds with contracts to the lenders falls under corruption. 

“I have no problem with conducting investigations (on political parties that are government allies), but one needs to understand the law now allows funding to political parties. What led to the previous prosecution was the association with awarded contracts.” 

Legally, Anwar said, there is no contradiction in any person donating to a political party, but it becomes a matter of corruption when they obtain contracts – whether required or not – or funding to themselves, their companies, or relevant parties. 

He added those who have doubts and wish to raise questions about whether corruption is present in donations to PKR are free to do so. 

Previously, a Pakatan Harapan MP alleged that former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin awarded the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) contract to a company linked to his son-in-law, citing news reports on the incident. 

The Vibes reported that Muhyiddin’s son-in-law might be a key player in the RM1.2 billion NIISe concession as he has links to one of the project’s frontrunners, security solutions provider S5 Holdings Inc. 

Company filings show that Datuk Muhamad Adlan Berhan, married to Muhyiddin’s daughter, Nabilah, is a shareholder of Agathistwo Jia Sdn Bhd.  

Prior to his resignation on September 21, 2018, he was a director of the company and remained one of its owners. – The Vibes, March 28, 2023