Abdul Azeez: I’m a victim of name-dropping

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained a “Datuk” businessman, who is believed to have received RM3mil to “help close” the investigations into the RM6.34bil Penang undersea tunnel project, while on the same day, Umno lawmaker Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim lodged a police report saying that he is a victim of name-dropping in the case.

The Datuk, who will be remanded at the Putrajaya court today, is the second person to be held over the matter following the arrest of a 37-year-old Datuk Seri on Tuesday for allegedly receiving RM19mil to close the corruption probe.

Abdul Azeez, who is Baling MP, denied claims that he had dealings with Consortium Zenith Construc­tion Sdn Bhd (CZC), the main contractor for the mega project, after allegations surfaced that he had received RM3mil from CZC.

“I have become a victim of name-dropping. I hope this police report puts a stop to everything,” he said after lodging his report at the district police headquarters in Shah Alam yesterday morning, accompanied by his lawyer Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.

Abdul Azeez, who is also Tabung Haji chairman, strongly denied any involvement with CZC or its senior executive director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli and added that he had never met Zarul Ahmad before.

CZC is the special purpose vehicle of the Penang project comprising three main roads and an undersea tunnel. The company had, through its lawyers, sent Abdul Azeez a letter of demand on Tuesday, which Abdul Azeez claimed to have stated an allegation that someone had met CZC and used his name to obtain RM3mil.

“I have been attacked throughout my political career but this is the first time I’m lodging a police report as things have gone out of hand. I am a leader loyal to Umno so why would I deal with a DAP company?” he said.

Jahaberdeen said a reply has been sent to CZC’s letter of demand on Thursday stating that the allegations in the letter were fake.

It also gave CZC four days to retract its allegations and to make an apology, failing which legal action would follow.

Meanwhile, the “Datuk” businessman, 64, who was detained later yesterday, had allegedly name-dropped a politician in his bid to convince a construction company to pay RM3mil in exchange for immunity.

“He earlier requested for RM4mil but it was reduced to RM3mil after some negotiation.

“The company paid the amount via four transactions last year after they were convinced that the Datuk could help to settle the case,” a source said, adding that graft-busters also seized a Mercedes-Benz car.

When contacted, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operation) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest.