MACC to quiz Tan Sri over highway project funds

The Star

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: A Tan Sri, who is under investigation by the Malay­sian Anti-Corruption Com­mission (MACC) over the alleged misappropriation of sukuk funds linked to a Klang Valley highway project, is expected to be called in for questioning soon.
The individual, who was recently discharged from hospital, is also being investigated for overseas asset ownership and high-stakes gambling activities invol­ving millions of ringgit.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the Tan Sri, who is believed to be a highway concession holder, had yet to give his statement due to recent medical treatment at a private hospital.
'A statement has not yet been recorded from the Tan Sri, but I have been informed that doctors have recently allowed him to be discharged. My officers will be con­tacting him soon to arrange an appointment,' Azam told Astro Awani when contacted on Satur­day.
He added that while the indivi­dual is a key witness in the case, MACC has already recorded statements from 45 other witnesses, some of whom have been recalled to assist further in the investigation.
'He is indeed one of the indivi­duals we have yet to question, but we already have testimonies from other witnesses. I cannot confirm whether additional witnesses will be required after his statement,' Azam said.
According to sources, MACC had earlier obtained medical confirmation from the treating doctor regarding the Tan Sri's condition before proceeding to plan for his interview.
The investigation centres around the suspected misappropriation of sukuk bonds intended for the construction of a highway.
On June 3 last year, MACC disclosed that it had seized assets valued about RM143mil from the individual as part of the probe.
They included luxury vehicles and properties owned by the Tan Sri, both locally and abroad, inclu­ding in London and Switzerland.
The seized assets comprised 14 personal bank accounts with RM4.5mil, eight company accounts with RM33mil, a luxury condominium and a parcel of land valued at RM24.5mil, nine luxury cars worth RM7.65mil, designer watches valu­ed at around RM25mil, handbags worth RM3mil, jewellery and diamonds estimated at RM6mil and four horses valued at RM400,000.
Other seized items included high-­end alcoholic beverages worth RM3mil, foreign assets estimated at over RM15mil and gambling-related activities involving about RM20mil.
A notice to declare assets has already been issued to the Tan Sri and related parties.