KUALA LUMPUR: A former senior management officer of a corporation has been detained over the alleged abuse of power involving operational payments totalling about RM42mil to several companies.
The detention is part of a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into several issues involving losses suffered by UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd in 2023.
The man, in his 50s, was detained at about 1pm on Monday at his home in the Klang Valley.
“Initial investigations found that the suspect allegedly committed the offence in 2017 by approving operational expenditure payments to several companies in which he was believed to have an interest,” a source said.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the detention, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.
The suspect is expected to be charged tomorrow.
It was reported that a RM42mil payment linked to a 50MW solar project in Gambang, Pahang, was among several issues being investigated by MACC.
The commission had said the payment was allegedly made for purposes unrelated to the project and without the approval of the company’s board of directors.
It said other relevant issues, including governance weaknesses highlighted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would also be investigated.
Anwar had ordered a review of the governance and management of UiTM Holdings amid concerns over the company’s losses.
He said the review should be undertaken with the UiTM vice-chancellor, with the Prime Minister’s Department providing support where necessary.
Anwar was responding to a question urging a review of UiTM Holdings’ management over claims that the company had recorded losses of over RM100mil.
The issue was raised during a question-and-answer session at the Himpunan Mesra Alumni UiTM at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor in Shah Alam on Sept 26.
