KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested another Sabah assemblyman on suspicion of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to RM150,000 in connection with the issuance of exploration licences in the state.
According to a source, the man in his 40s was detained at around 9.30am on Monday (June 23) when he arrived to give his statement at the Sabah MACC office here.
ALSO READ: Video clip case: MACC calls in another Sabah politician
“The suspect, who is also an assistant minister, is believed to have committed the offence between 2023 and last year.
“Investigations indicate that he allegedly requested and received bribes totalling around RM150,000 from an individual bearing the title ‘Datuk’, purportedly to assist in managing an application for an exploration licence in Sabah,” the source said.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest when contacted, saying the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.
He added that the suspect was released after his statement was recorded on bail of RM50,000 with one surety and no deposit.
The suspect, who is also a Member of Parliament, is expected to be charged in court soon.
ALSO READ: MACC nabs two including assemblyman in Sabah mining licence probe
Two others are also expected to be charged.
A state-owned investment arm company chairman, who was questioned by the MACC for nearly four hours on Wednesday (June 18), is expected to be charged in court on June 30.
The other is a whistleblower known as “Albert”, previously linked to the circulation of video clips related to the case.
The alleged offences are believed to have occurred between 2023 and last year, involving the solicitation and receipt of bribes amounting to approximately RM200,000 in connection with the processing of mineral exploration licence applications.
Both individuals have since been released on MACC bail and are expected to be charged at the end of the month.
