Crackdown on corruption

KUALA LUMPUR: Three high-ranking officials, including two with the titles Datuk and Datuk Seri, have been detained for allegedly accepting bribes, misuse of power and money laundering.

Over RM13mil in their bank accounts have also been frozen.

The trio were detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commis­sion (MACC) in a simultaneous three-state swoop – in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Kelantan – at between noon and 2pm yesterday.

MACC investigations director Datuk Azam Baki said the suspects were senior officers of a government agency, local authority and a government-linked company.

“All were in their 50s. We also froze their bank accounts containing more than RM13mil and stocks worth between RM1mil and RM6mil,” he said in a statement.

A few condominium units, including a penthouse and a bungalow were also seized, added Azam.

“We also seized a few luxury cars, including a Maserati, a BMW and an Audi. We believe the vehicles were bought with bribes received.

“We also seized more than RM400,000 cash as well as some foreign currency and a few luxury watches,” he said, adding that those arrested were expected to be remanded today to assist in investigations.

It is learnt that the luxury cars seized were kept at the homes of their relatives to avoid suspicion.

Sources revealed that a stash of money was seized from the home of a “Datuk”, a state department director.

“The money, believed to be about RM400,000 was hidden in ‘secret’ places around the house. It was stacked in RM50 and RM100 notes,” a source said.

A source said the arrests were made after more than a year of surveillance.

The three suspects were “living well beyond their means” with most of the properties registered under their names.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. More big fish as well as ikan bilis (small fry) are on the cards to be rounded up as the MACC moves to address the scourge before corruption takes root,” the source said.

The high profile arrests came barely days after newly-appointed chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad issued a stern warning to corrupt individuals – “surrender or wait for the MACC to come after you”.

In an interview with Bernama on Saturday, Dzulkifli called upon those involved in corrupt practices and abuse of power to step forward or be prepared to face the full brunt of the MACC’s enforcement.

“If action has been taken, there is no need to see us. For those who are feeling the heat, they can come.

“We will study and discuss with the Attorney-General’s Chambers on what action could be taken (for a lighter sentence) as the question of prosecution is under their purview,” he said.

Even though the overture was offered in a calm tone, his firmness was clear when he stressed that the MACC would not discriminate in its effort to flush out corruption.

Dzulkifli, 48, who took over as MACC chief on Aug 1, said his primary focus would be to enhance integrity in the public and private sectors.

He said for the MACC to mean business, the warning would translate into raids of government or private offices if there was evidence of corrupt practices.

“Soon, there will be friendly visits from us,” he said, adding that after being on the job for two weeks, it was enough to understand the MACC and it was time to see results.

“I’m a man of few words. I would like to warn those involved to stop immediately. This is not an empty threat,” he said.