The investigations into "several high profile cases" have concluded and these would be taken to court in the near future, Minister in Prime Minister's Department Dr Rais Yatim was quoted in a Chinese daily today.

He said the authorities have reopened the files on 75 percent of the high profile cases after they were publicised in recent months.

He also said he was "very happy" with the progress on the ongoing investigations and the efficiency of the authorities in doing their job.

He cited the case of former secretary-general of Rural Development Ministry Dr Abdul Aziz Muhamad who was charged for the mismanagement of Hardcore Poor Development Fund worth RM 11 million two weeks ago as an example.

The minister said this in an interview with Sin Chew Jit Poh .

Rais had last month slammed the law enforcement agencies for not resolving 21 high profile cases that involved prominent political and business personalities.

Some cases were said to have remained unresolved for three years now. He did not provide further details about the cases.

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi subsequently defended the authorities when he said they have acted without fear or favour even if certain investigations involve those inside or close to the government.

In the report today, Rais said that until recently, investigations into the high profile cases were stopped or were not completed for unknown reasons.

Wrong attitude

"This kind of working attitude is wrong, all investigations must come to an conclusive end," he said.

However, he did not elaborate on the cases that would be taken to court soon. It is also not known if the cases have been handed over to the Attorney-General's office.

"If a case has been passed to the AG's Chamber but the prosecutor feels that there is insufficient evidence to take the cases to court, then it's a different story," he was quoted as saying.

Rais also said as the times have changed and the younger generation are better educated, transparency and responsibility in the country's governance, including law enforcement, is crucial.

The minister could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.