The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has detained two chief executive officers after finding new leads in its investigation into the procurement of six littoral combat ships (LCS) to be built by Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd.
As reported by the national news agency, MACC sources told that the individuals aged 49 and 79, were detained when they were at the MACC headquarters here to give their statements.
Both the individuals were suspected of committing malpractice and receiving bribes through payments to three companies abroad. One of them is also suspected of receiving bribes from a sub-contractor appointed to handle the project, the source added.
It added that the case investigation is now focused on offences committed under Section 16 of the MACC Act for receiving bribes and also Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust. The Section carries an imprisonment term of not less than two years and not more than 20 years, along with whipping and also a fine.
The exposure came to light when in November last year, Royal Malaysian Navy Veterans Association president First Admiral (R) Mohamad Imran Abd Hamid lodged a report with the top agency concerning a project to construct six LCS which failed to be delivered as scheduled.
The project, worth RM9.128 billion, was awarded to BNS by the government through the Ministry of Defence, with RM6 billion already paid.
