The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained a former minister to assist investigations into issues raised in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), with the probe understood to involve the leasing of a hotel in Saudi Arabia.
The male suspect, who is in his 60s, was believed to have been detained at about 4.30pm after arriving at the MACC headquarters to give a statement.
According to a post on the anti-graft agency’s official TikTok account, the arrest is linked to an issue concerning a hotel lease in Saudi Arabia that was highlighted in connection with the RCI investigation.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.
“The suspect will be brought to the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow morning for a remand application,” he said.
No further details on the allegations or the identity of the former minister were provided in the statement.
The investigation forms part of the authorities’ follow-up on matters raised in the RCI report concerning Tabung Haji.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported on Saturday as saying that investigations into issues highlighted by the RCI would continue to ensure that the country does not continue to suffer losses.
The latest arrest marks a further development in investigations stemming from the commission’s findings, with the MACC now examining the Saudi hotel leasing issue under provisions of the MACC Act relating to corruptly soliciting, receiving or agreeing to receive gratification.
The former minister’s detention is for investigative purposes, and no finding of wrongdoing or criminal liability has been made at this stage.
