MARA property buy: MARA Inc. chairman and CEO temporarily suspended

The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Council has decided to temporarily relieve MARA investment arm, MARA Inc. chairman and CEO to facilitate investigation linked to the controversial MARA property purchase in Melbourne, Australia.

They are chairman Datuk Mohamad Llan Allani and CEO Datuk Abd Halim A.Rahim.

The decision was made at a meeting earlier today to appoint independent external auditor Princewaterhouse Cooper (PwC) to investigate matters linked to the purchases of all its properties abroad.

MARA chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa said today the two would be temporarily relieved of their roles pending investigation into the Aussie purchase deals.

"Despite the decision made, there was no proof on any wrong doing by these two officials.

"Today’s council meeting decided to release two senior officers on temporary basis, so that the investigation process can resume,” he told a press conference at the MARA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur..

The purchases came to light after a report by Australian newspaper, ‘The Age’ reported that a ‘top’ MARA officer, senior official and ex-politician had allegedly spent millions of government funds to purchase an apartment block in Melbourne in a property scam.

The report alleged that several super-rich Malaysian officials overpaid by A$4.75 million (RM13.8 million) for Dudley International House in 2013.

On allegations made by PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli, Annuar said that MARA is not answerable to Rafizi.

"He has the right to air his views but questions raised on this matter should be referred to the correct authoritative body," added Annuar.