Green light for MACC to probe ministry officers

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry is giving ample leeway to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate its officers in connection with the RM596mil sukuk misappropriation, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

“As someone who is leading the ministry, I feel the MACC should be given ample space to fulfil its duties in accordance with existing laws,” he said to reporters after attending the 216th Police Day celebration at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here yesterday.

Saifuddin was asked to comment on Home Ministry officers who are expected to be called up by the MACC to assist the investigation into the sukuk misappropriation.

Last week, four individuals, including a company director and chief financial officer, were arrested by the MACC in its investigation into irregularities in a sukuk deal worth RM596mil related to the project for the registration, recruitment and biometric information storage of foreign workers in a ministry.

According to an MACC source, the four men aged between 40 and 55 were arrested at the commission’s headquarters.

The source also said the sukuk was managed by a local bank to finance the project.

On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said efforts to ensure the welfare of police personnel are continuous and not seasonal, including reviewing their salary.

The Home Minister said it was evident in the revised Budget 2023, where funds were allocated to maintain police quarters and accommodations.

“The issues of welfare and salary review are issues that we are always fighting for.

“It is not just during an event such as Police Day. It is ongoing,” he said when asked to comment on whether these issues would be looked into.

On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said his ministry was also grateful to Tenaga Nasional Bhd for handing over four four-wheel drive vehicles for police operation purposes, along with 25 containers to store seized items.

“Cooperation between the police and TNB to curb electricity theft began in 2020.

“The cooperation has resulted in various successes in stopping electricity theft and, thus, in conjunction with Police Day, TNB decided to give the police force the vehicles and containers.

“It is heartening that new assets could be acquired in such a manner without using the police’s budget, and I hope other companies will follow TNB’s example,” he said.