RM114.5 million seizure is MACC's biggest in 49 years

The RM114.5 million seizure related to a RM3.3 billion basic infrastructure project in Sabah in October is by far the biggest by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), formerly known as Anti-Corruption Agency, since its establishment 49 years ago.

This achievement reflects Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad's intentness, upon assuming the unenviable position of MACC Chief Commissioner on Aug 1, to 'clean up' the public service.

In the record haul, the director and deputy director of a government department were detained. While investigations were being carried out, the duo have been released on an undeposited bail of RM500,000 with two sureties, each.

MACC also seized land titles, jewellery, branded watches and handbags as well as luxury vehicles worth millions of ringgit from more than 20 suspects linked to the case.

The public was also drawn to the case involving Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who was investigated by MACC following complaints that he had corruptly purchased a bungalow for a 'below market price' of RM2.8 million.

The actual value of the bungalow that Lim bought from a businesswoman Phang Li Koon, was claimed to be RM4.27 million.

He was arrested on June 29 and charged with corruption at the Penang High Court on June 30 but claimed trial.

On Aug 15, three civil servants comprising two 'Datuk' and one 'Datuk Seri', were detained by MACC for alleged corruption, misuse of power and money laundering.

The suspects in their 50s and attached with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Works Department and Tenaga Nasional Berhad respectively, were detained in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Kelantan.

Their accounts containing more than RM13 million including in savings and unit trusts worth between RM1 million and RM6 million each, were frozen.

Also seized from them were a number of high-end condominiums including a penthouse unit; bungalows and luxury cars such as Maserati, BMW and Audi. - Bernama