MACC investigating rare earth mining allegations

KUALA LUMPUR: Graft busters have opened an investigation paper in connection with allegations of abuse of power involving a mentri besar in the issue of mining rare earth elements, believed to have been conducted illegally and resulting in losses for a state government.

Sources said the illegal mining and loss of natural resources were reported in March by non-governmental organisations and residents of an area where the illegal mining took place on a large scale before it was thwarted by the authorities.

It is believed that the investigations concern caretaker Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

In January, Kedah Umno had urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the possibility of a political intervention in the case of the stolen rare earth elements.

Recently, several people lodged reports with the MACC urging it to investigate any abuse of power and corruption involving the mentri besar following a viral letter on the application of foreign workers’ quota to the Home Ministry, for a so-called joint project between a state government and a local company as well as a company from China.

Sources said Kedah MACC started an investigation on the illegal mining of rare earth elements early this year and has called up several witnesses, but the progress of the investigation could not be ascertained.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, when contacted, confirmed that several investigation papers have been opened under Sections 17(a) and 23 of the MACC Act, including the investigation paper opened by Kedah MACC.

He declined to elaborate further.