The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained 19 divisional and district heads of a state government agency to facilitate investigations into a case of abuse of power involving infrastructure projects in Sabah.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said the suspects, aged between 29 and 59, were nabbed in the second phase of an operation after the first operation on Oct 4.
He said the operation was launched after the MACC had gathered additional information and evidence through analyses on seized documents.
"In the operation which was carried out simultaneously on 27 locations involving the state government agency throughout Sabah yesterday, MACC also seized RM4.2 million from several suspects.
"The MACC also froze RM3.6 million in several bank accounts belonging to several suspects," Azam said in a statement today.
He said initial investigations found divisional and district heads had collected between 27 percent and 30 percent of the total contract amounts for the contractors to be awarded several of the agency's projects in Sabah.
According to him, various procurement and claim documents were also seized in the operation and until now, the MACC officers were still examining them.
The MACC has requested four courts in Sabah to issue remand orders against all the suspects and of the 19 officers detained, 18 were ordered to be held in remand while another was released.
Azam said 14 suspects were remanded for seven days at the Kota Kinabalu Magistrate's Court here; three were held in remand for four days at the Tawau Magistrate's Court and another one was remanded for seven days at the Sandakan Magistrate's Court.
"The MACC wants to stress that investigations into this case is only to probe the involvement of these government officers in accepting bribes and abuse of power. So far, it does not involve any politician, whether at state or federal level," he added.
As such, Azam urged all parties not to politicise and speculate on the case as it could jeopardise investigations.
READ: Power abuse: Sabah govt dept director released on RM500,000 bail
"MACC takes this matter seriously and assures that investigations will be carried out in a transparent manner," he said, urging those with information on the case to facilitate investigations.
On Oct 4, the MACC arrested four individuals, including a director and a deputy director of a state government agency in Sabah to facilitate investigations into an abuse of power case involving infrastructure projects in the state.
However, the four suspects were released on bail of between RM50,000 and RM500,000 in two sureties. -- Bernama
Bernama
Thu Oct 20 2016
The suspects, aged between 29 and 59, were nabbed in the second phase of an operation after the first operation on Oct 4.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.