Many to be called over MACC raids

PUTRAJAYA: A former finance minister, a Tan Sri businessman and key government officials are among “a long list” of individuals whom graft investigators are expected to call up in a probe into alleged graft involving the procurement and management of the government’s fleet of vehicles worth RM4.5bil.

Confirming that his officers had raided the businessman’s residence and four companies on Thursday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) said a long list of individuals would be called up to explain two issues.

“We want to find out as to why this company was given the job to manage the government’s vehicles. Secondly, we also want an explanation as to why the intention to give this (same) project to another company was cancelled despite it having received the Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Finance Ministry,” Azam told The Star.

It was reported that this company claimed to have been picked to manage the fleet concession through a LOI issued in 2018 but was terminated before the actual award was set to be announced.

The company had since filed a suit against the government.

To a question, Azam said the former finance minister would be called as he could help shed light on the two issues in question.

“We will have the information and explanation to this, given his position at the time. It is also possible for us to call up a former prime minister to determine if he is aware of the matter as it happened during his administration,” he said.

Officials from the company in question as well as those of companies with links to the Tan Sri with regard to the said government contract would also be summoned, said Azam.

“My officers are going through the documents taken during the raid. They will then call up the individuals involved for questioning. This will be done as soon as possible,” he added.

It was reported that besides raiding the home of the Tan Sri, the MACC had also gone to four companies, one of which was responsible for supplying the government with vehicles.

The three other companies were said to be entities that carry out investments for the Tan Sri’s finances. It is learnt that the raiding party was looking to obtain documents as they establish possible elements of corruption in the supply and management of the government’s fleet of vehicles.

Sources said the Tan Sri was present when the raiding team arrived, but it could not be determined if he was at home or in one of the offices.