Man arrested by MACC for alleged graft Bersatu division leader from FT

PETALING JAYA: The man arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged graft through the brokering of government projects is a Bersatu division leader from the Federal Territories.

It is understood that the man who is said to have close links to Bersatu’s top leadership is being probed by the graft-busters in relation to the alleged misappropriation of the RM92.5bil Covid-19 stimulus package funds under the Perikatan Nasional government.

The 42-year-old man is a CEO of a private company who allegedly acted as a middleman in the distribution of the economic stimulus packages from 2020 to 2022.

The suspect also allegedly took bribes to connect contractors to higher-ups.

Previously, the MACC had said in a statement that investigations were focused on RM92.5bil under the stimulus and economic recovery packages.

The Star reported on Friday (Jan 6) that the man was arrested at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya after giving his statement on Thursday (Jan 5) night.

Investigation papers have been opened on at least five people believed to be masterminds or middlemen for several companies that had obtained projects ranging from RM50mil to RM500mil via direct negotiations.

Sources added that 90% of the projects obtained via direct negotiations had not been executed as no acceptance letters were issued.

Investigations will be focused on the remaining 10%.

The suspect has been remanded until Jan 10.

The report also added that MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has confirmed the arrest, adding that investigations are being conducted under Section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009, which provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.