MELAKA: The Melaka Chief Minister has denied any involvement in the detention of Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said that he had no part in nor did he influence the MACC’s decision to arrest the former Dewan Negar deputy president.
"Any allegations linking me to the detention are baseless, speculative and misleading.
"Such accusations not only tarnish the reputation of the state leadership but are also seen as attempts to derail the state administration’s focus on implementing the development agenda for the people," he said in a statement Wednesday (April 16).
Ab Rauf emphasised that his administration places full confidence in the MACC to conduct its investigations transparently and professionally, free from interference by any party.
"The state government also urges all parties to act responsibly when disseminating and sharing information, to prevent the spread of false news and slander on social media," he said, adding that action may be considered against those spreading such false narratives.
Mohamad Ali, who is also Bersatu’s deputy information chief, was arrested by the MACC on Monday (April 14) over alleged bribery related to a land reclamation project valued at RM44mil.
On Tuesday (15 April), the MACC obtained a six-day remand order against Mohamad Ali to assist with investigations under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009 for soliciting and accepting bribes in connection with the project in Kota Laksamana between 2021 and 2023.
Mohamad Ali was also formerly Melaka Umno deputy chief and Tangga Batu division chief before joining Bersatu, last year.
