Graft busters confirm ‘visit’ to Minister’s home

PUTRAJAYA: Graft investigators have confirmed they went to Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar’s residence, as part of an ongoing probe on a case involving the recruitment of foreign workers.

Sources, however, downplayed the Sunday incident, describing it as a “visit”.

“Investigators went to the house, which is part of the procedure when there is an investigation. They just wanted to see if there was anything that could help in the probe,” a source said.

However, sources did not elaborate when asked if any material that could be of use to investigators was found in Sivakumar’s house.

Sivakumar, when met earlier at the pre-launch of National Training Week 2023 yesterday, dispelled reports that his house had been raided.

When asked about it, the minister simply answered, “No”.

According to a Malay daily, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raided the office and residence of the minister on Sunday.

Regarding his statement to the MACC, Sivakumar reiterated that his ministry and he would cooperate fully in the investigation.

Asked if he would be called in again, the minister said, “No”.

On whether he knew if there would be more arrests, the minister replied: “I will give my full cooperation. So will the ministry.

“We will give all the assistance needed in this investigation.”

Meanwhile, sources confirmed the minister’s two senior officers and a third suspect, a businessman, were released yesterday.

A senior officer and the businessman, both aged between 40 and 50, were arrested as they arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Bangkok, Thailand, last week.

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 aide.

Two days later, on April 17, a senior officer believed to be holding the post of a private secretary was arrested after being called up for her statement to be recorded.