PUTRAJAYA: A former minister and 11 others have been called by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to give statements over a RM1.1bil government deal with a foreign company.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said those summoned included officials from government bodies such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
He added that the commission is still seeking another individual to record a statement.
“We have tried through various means, including media appeals, urging him to return to Malaysia promptly.
“So far, we have not received any response.
“Today, a media statement was issued stating that he must return from the United Kingdom.
“His role relates to his appointment after leaving a ministry and now working with a company that has an interest in this project,” Azam told reporters at the MACC headquarters yesterday.
When asked to identify the former minister, he declined.
“The investigation involves the former minister and other senior ministry officials, including its secretary-general,” he said.
Earlier, the MACC had issued a public notice searching for Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s former aide Chai Jin Shern.
Chai later issued a statement, denying that he was in hiding and asserting that the MACC had never contacted him directly through any reasonable channel before the notice was made public.
“I am not in hiding; I am not a fugitive,” Chai said, adding that he remains contactable and is currently in the United Kingdom, working in artificial intelligence policy and risk.
“If MACC genuinely wishes to obtain my cooperation, they can easily reach me through proper means. I remain contacted via e-mail, social media, former government colleagues and professional networks. My whereabouts are hardly a secret,” he said.
Chai also criticised the disclosure of his family’s home address, saying it unnecessarily exposed his parents to risk and harassment.
Meanwhile, Azam said the transfer of Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, lead prosecutor for several high-profile corruption cases, would not affect ongoing cases.
“It will not interfere with the prosecution of cases and I have been informed by the Attorney General’s Chambers that, for now, he will continue handling any cases that are still pending,” he said.
