Graft investigators digging into Abdul Azeez’s past

PUTRAJAYA: Graft investigators are putting the past activities of Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim under the microscope as they investigate the politician over allegations of corruption and money laundering, said to run into millions of ringgit.

With Abdul Azeez arrested, investigators will apply for a remand order for the 51-year-old Umno supreme council member at the Putrajaya magistrate’s court today to allow them to further question the politician.

Meanwhile, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor will be meeting graft investigators for the second time today for what is believed to be related to the 1MDB scandal and allegations of money laundering.

On Abdul Azeez, highly placed sources in the Malay-sian Anti-Corruption Commis­sion (MACC) said they would look into allegations that he had demanded kickbacks to help interested parties secure contracts and government tenders from the previous administration.

Apparently, his “selling point” to those interested to get his help was his close relationship with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“There are also claims that he asked for kickbacks for his ‘superiors’ and the ‘higher-ups’. We will be looking into this as well,” a source told The Star without naming or indicating those involved.

Sources said Abdul Azeez’s arrest and that of his elder brother Latiff yesterday had no connection with the investigations into 1MDB or its former subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd.

On May 23, the MACC raided Abdul Azeez’s homes and offices and seized RM500,000 in cash, 20 watches and several pieces of jewellery.

The former Tabung Haji chairman claimed that part of the money was from his Umno allocation while some foreign currencies were from Kelab Putera 1Malaysia.

Rosmah, 66, was issued with a notice by the MACC for her to be present at its headquarters at 10am today.

The Star has learnt that the notice was served to Rosmah at her residence in Langgak Duta at 5pm in the presence of her lawyer Datuk K. Kumaraendran.

Kumaraendran, when contacted, confirmed that his client had received the letter and would be present at the MACC as requested.

Asked whether she would be arrested, sources close to the investigation said: “No, she is only called for her statement.”

On June 5, Rosmah was called by MACC investigators to have her statement recorded over an investigation into SRC International.