Following several contradictory reports last week, the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) today reaffirmed that it has found no improprieties in its investigations into the dealings of former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik (photo, left) and his son Hee Leong (photo, right).

The ACA relayed this to DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang in a letter signed by deputy director of investigations Ahmad Mandus.

It was handed to Lim when he went to the agency's headquarters in Putrajaya this morning.

The letter said "no offences" were found from the six-year probe into the business dealings of the politician and his son.

"Two versions of the story came out after my meeting last Wednesday with the ACA. Ahmad Mandus wrote me a letter reconfirming the version he told me during that meeting," said Lim (photo) when contacted.

Last week, two ACA officials, including Ahmad Mandus, told Lim that the agency had completed its probe six months ago.

They said they had found no evidence to support the claim that Ling used his influence as MCA chief and cabinet minister to secure mega-loans for his son's business ventures with businessman Soh Chee Wen.

Contradictory statements

Lim had filed several complaints with the agency on the matter since 1997 calling for investigations into several multi-million ringgit corporate takeovers undertaken by Hee Leong, who was only 27 then.

The latest report was filed in July last year based on revelations made by Soh during an interview with malaysiakini.

Soh (photo) said he was directed by the former MCA president and transport minister to lie to the ACA about the extent of the Lings' involvement in several controversial business deals. Soh has since fallen out with the Lings.

Confusion arose after ACA director of investigations Nordin Ismail told the press later that the agency had reopened the case following Soh's allegations.

This varied with the version told to Lim that the ACA was treating the two investigations separately. While it cleared Ling in the first case, the agency was still looking into a possible obstruction of investigation charge against him.

On Thursday, Lim wrote another letter to the ACA seeking an appointment for clarification.

'Poor reflection'

Meanwhile, the DAP leader said his meeting at the ACA today was only partly fruitful as he was unable to meet with the agency's top officials, all of whom, including Ahmad Mandus, were said to be out of the country.

"I wanted to meet with director-general Zulkipli Mat Noor but he is said to be out of the country. I met with two other officials who were unable to clarify the matter but could only listen and take notes," he said.

"I find it shocking that no one can clarify the status of the case. This reflects poorly on the competence of the agency. Everyone has run for cover now that there is an issue."

Contacted last week about the discrepancy in the news reports, ACA deputy director of investigations R Rathakirushnan said he did not think that there was confusion over the matter.

However, he declined to elaborate, saying the matter should be referred to Nordin for clarification. According to his office, Nordin and Ahmad Mandus will be returning to Malaysia on Sunday.