No immediate plans to detain Dr M, says MACC chief

PUTRAJAYA: There are no immediate plans to arrest Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, says Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

"We have no plans to detain Dr Mahathir as investigations are still ongoing," he told reporters after launching the National Anti-Corruption Strategies (NACS) 2024-2028 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here on Tuesday (May 7).

On April 26, Azam confirmed that Dr Mahathir was among those being investigated over an asset declaration issue.

The MACC had served notices to Dr Mahathir's sons, Mirzan and Tan Sri Mokhzani, on Jan 18 and 26 respectively, to declare all movable and immovable assets under their possession, in the country and abroad within 30 days.

They were later given 30-day extensions by the MACC owing to the extensive nature of their assets.

Mokhzani was investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

On another issue, Azam said the MACC has not initiated investigations into Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming over a RM5.21mil allocation announced for Kuala Kubu Baru ahead of the by-election there.

"There are no reports at the moment but the MACC centre for complaints will take note of what was reported in the media.

"We will look into it and determine if the issue involves corruption or not," he said.

Earlier this month, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) criticised the RM5.21mil allocation for the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS) by the ministry to upgrade public infrastructure facilities in Kuala Kubu Baru.

Bersih claimed that the announcement was against the principle of campaigning before the official campaigning period and also a form of vote-buying.

Nga has said that he is ready to cooperate with the Election Commission (EC).

Meanwhile, Azam remained coy on whether his tenure as MACC chief commissioner will be extended.

"I do not want to speculate and I still have time until May 12, which is my birthday.

"I welcome birthday presents anyone wants to give me that day," he quipped.

Azam was appointed MACC chief commissioner on March 9, 2020 and his contract is set to end on May 12.