Blogger nabbed in RM41mil ministry project graft probe

PUTRAJAYA: A blogger has been arrested to assist in the investigation of graft allegations involving a RM41mil ministry project.

Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin has given graft investigators the go-ahead to remand the suspect, in his 50s, for two days beginning Friday (May 12).

It is learnt that the blogger was arrested after he was summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Thursday (May 11) night.

According to sources, the suspect, who has a large number of followers, was believed to have received bribes worth RM1.3mil from an IT company sometime in 2020.

"The demand for bribes is believed to be as inducement for the suspect to lobby on behalf of the company so that it can be awarded the said procurement contract," said a source.

It is understood that aside from corruption, graft investigators are also looking at how the procurement procedures were implemented.

MACC senior director of investigations Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hashim confirmed the arrest.