MACC Ready To Investigate N. Sembilan PH Allocation If Misuse Evidenced - Abd Halim

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is ready to investigate if there is evidence of misuse involving the RM180,000 allocation granted to each Pakatan Harapan (PH) state assemblyman prior to the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly on June 5.

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said reports accompanied by evidence showing fund misuse or legal offences would serve as a basis for the commission to initiate an investigation.

However, he noted that MACC currently saw no issue regarding the approval of the allocations, as a legitimate government had the right to introduce policies or approve funds provided they did not contradict the law or the Federal Constitution.

"If it is a legitimate government, there is no issue for them to introduce a policy or make an allocation, provided it does not contradict the law and the Federal Constitution," he told a press conference at the MACC Headquarters here today.

Abd Halim added that the situation differed for a caretaker government, which should not introduce new policies that could bind an incoming administration post-election.

On Aug 26, 17 former PH state assemblymen and two assembly coordinators from the previous Negeri Sembilan administration were directed to return their August and September allocations following the dissolution of the state assembly on June 5.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim said the allocations were approved on June 3 and credited into the recipients' accounts on June 4, a day before the assembly was dissolved.

He said the decision to demand the return of the funds was made to ensure state government funds complied with recipient status following dissolution, as well as to maintain financial transparency and integrity.

The Menteri Besar’s Office will issue demand letters for repayment, giving recipients 30 days to return the funds.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, Abd Halim said the MACC had yet to receive a letter regarding a corruption case involving former human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.

"Regarding the letter, we have not received it from the stated party. We are still waiting," he said.

Commenting on allegations that a key witness in the case had died, Abd Halim said details regarding the matter fell under a confidential investigation process.

"Details regarding the process and allegations that a key witness has died pertain to confidential investigation procedures known only to the investigating officers and top MACC management.

"Therefore, whether the case remains strong and why it is being pursued is a legal matter," he said.

On Aug 28, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on all parties to allow the legal process to run its course in Saravanan's case, noting that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of MACC and the Attorney-General's Chambers.

Saravanan previously said his letter to the Prime Minister was not meant to seek intervention or drop the charges, but to explain his position on the matter.

Earlier, the Tapah MP pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to three corruption charges amounting to RM1.097 million related to the approval of foreign worker quotas.

-- BERNAMA