PUTRAJAYA: Graft busters have found no evidence or basis so far to support allegations that former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad received RM53mil in bribes.
This is in connection with the investigation into the transfer of three Asian elephants, known as Dara, Amoi, and Kelat (DAK), from Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said an investigation had not uncovered any suspicious money trail or transactions involving the former minister or any related company.
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"Checks on Cash Threshold Reports (CTR) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) also found that the allegation is baseless at this stage.
"However, investigations are still ongoing against four suspects in connection with the case, with financial and banking analysis continuing," he told reporters at MACC headquarters here on Thursday (July 9).
He said he has instructed the investigating officer to wrap up the investigation within a month.
Abd Halim said four suspects had been identified in the case, comprising a retired civil servant, a serving civil servant and two company owners.
"So far, 19 witnesses have had their statements recorded," he added.
Among the key issues being examined are who bore the cost of the transfer, the elephants’ temporary placement at the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, the status of veterinary certification, the specifications of the elephant enclosure in Osaka, and the 25-year agreement period, which has come under scrutiny, he said.
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"Initial findings showed that the 25-year term was reasonable, taking into account the elephants’ gestation period of about two years and an estimated maximum of six births.
"The transfer cost of US$1.048mil (RM6.3mil) was fully borne by Osaka Zoo and not the Malaysian government.
"The elephants were placed temporarily at the Kuala Gandah conservation centre for crate training before being flown to Japan.
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"The probe was initiated following allegations of corruption and irregularities in the transfer process involving the three elephants," he said.
On June 18, wildlife rights group Hak Asasi Hidupan Liar Malaysia (Hidup) called on the MACC to investigate the transfer of the three elephants.
The organisation also alleged that certain payments related to the transfer were not channelled to the government and linked several individuals to transactions estimated to be worth RM53mil.
