PUTRAJAYA: Some RM17.5mil in 37 bank accounts have been frozen in connection with the arrests of four individuals, including a senior Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officer, as part of a probe into alleged corruption linked to an IT project.
This was among the latest developments in several high-profile graft investigations being run by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The agency’s chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki also furnished updates on probes regarding two politicians – former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Farhash Wafa Salvador, a former aide to current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Besides these, Azam revealed that the MACC is looking to recover about RM12mil in a case involving Sapura Energy Berhad that goes back to 2018.
In the DBKL case, Azam said the seized funds were in 11 personal accounts, 23 company accounts and three stock accounts.
“We seized cash in different denominations, including RM1.15mil, €12,300 and S$24,280 along with two luxury cars (worth RM650,000) and luxury handbags and shoes (worth RM100,000),” he told reporters at the MACC headquarters yesterday.
So far, MACC has recorded the statements of 16 individuals, including the four who were arrested, he added.
Regarding Farhash’s case, he said the MACC decided to close its probe over his mineral exploration venture after questioning Sabah Mineral Management, the state government and others.
“In the end, the DPP (Deputy Public Prosecutor) decided there were no offences that were committed. Therefore, the case is closed.”
Azam said a company linked to Farhash had initially received approval in March 2023 to carry out mineral exploration in Sabah, on the condition that the firm submit certain documents.
“Since the company failed to submit the required documents, the application was cancelled on March 21 this year. There was no actual exploration carried out.”
Investigations into Dr Mahathir’s assets are still ongoing, and the MACC is engaging with foreign law enforcement authorities for more information.
Dr Mahathir had been ordered to declare his assets to the MACC following allegations that the centenarian had accumulated extraordinary wealth in his first term as prime minister, between 1981 and 2003.
In the Sapura Energy Berhad case, Azam said the RM12mil that will be forfeited has been agreed upon by all parties, including the DPP.
“The DPP will also determine whether to bring any charges against anyone,” he said.
