Jana Wibawa probe: Researcher who alleged MACC offered Wan Saiful RM10mil arrested

PUTRAJAYA: The person who alleged that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) offered RM10mil to Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan has been arrested.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that Mohamad Shafiq Abdul Halim, a freelance researcher who had worked for Wan Saiful, was arrested at about 3.30pm on Wednesday (Feb 22) when he came to the commission's headquarters.

ALSO READ: Jana Wibawa probe: MACC questioning researcher over bribery claim

Azam added that Mohamad Shafiq had alleged that the MACC had offered RM10mil to the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia information chief, but has since apologised on social media.

On this, Azam said that he does not accept the apology.

"How on earth can I get that kind of money? Although he has apologised on social media for the baseless allegations, this is a matter that can taint the reputation of the MACC." he said when speaking to media at the MACC Headquarters here on Thursday (Feb 23).

"Because of his statement, it led to negative speculations which cannot be erased," added Azam.

ALSO READ: Researcher says sorry for saying MACC bribed Wan Saiful, blames cybertroopers

In a viral video, the individual claimed that the offer was made so that Wan Saiful could change his statement to say he had received instructions from Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to accept a bribe.

Azam added that the allegation was defamatory and the individual lied to destroy the public's trust in the MACC.

Wan Saiful, who is also Tasek Gelugor MP, claimed trial to two charges of corruption involving some RM6.9mil, said to be linked to the Jana Wibawa programme on Tuesday.

The Jana Ekonomi Pemerkasaan Kontraktor Bumiputra Berwibawa or Economic Recovery of Authorised Bumiputra Contractors (Jana Wibawa) was set up in November 2020 to empower bumiputra contractors struggling during the pandemic.

Under the scheme, bumiputra contractors rated with three to five stars were given contracts through direct negotiation.

The contractors were to have been approved by the Finance Ministry.