PUTRAJAYA: Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar (pic) has been called by graft investigators to assist investigation into a case in connection with the recruitment of foreign workers, which saw two of his officers being remanded earlier.
It is learnt that Sivakumar arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here at about 10am yesterday.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the minister was called in for his statement to be recorded.
“Yes, my investigators asked for the minister to come over so that his statement could be recorded,” he told The Star.
To a question, Azam said he had no details on the progress of the investigation yet.
“I let my investigators do their job first,” he added.
One of Sivakumar’s officers said the minister spent some 30 minutes at the MACC office.
The minister himself could not be reached for comment.
Last week, three people, including two of his officers, were picked up in connection with the case.
A senior officer of the minister and a businessman, aged between 40 and 50, were arrested as they arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Bangkok, Thailand.
The senior officer was said to be a former leader in the DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) wing.
Follow-up investigations led graft busters to another Sivakumar aide.
This latter suspect, in her 50s, is believed to be holding the post of a private secretary. She was arrested after being called up for her statement to be recorded.
The remand order for the three suspects is expected to end today.
On Saturday, Sivakumar, who is also Batu Gajah MP, said he and his ministry’s officials are willing to cooperate with the authorities in relation to the graft probe involving his officers.
“If I am called, I am willing to present myself and give a statement. So far, the MACC has yet to summon me,” he told reporters after an event in conjunction with the Tamil New Year.
He added that the MACC is merely carrying out its duty and responsibilities and, in principle, he supports the implementation of the law based on justice and truth.
