The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) says a complaint on the RM9.8 million condominium bought by a sister company of the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) does not fall under its jurisdiction.

The complaint had been scrutinised by its legal and prosecution division and it is of the opinion that the matter falls under the Penal Code and not under the MACC Act 2009, the MACC said in a statement today.

The matter has since been referred to the police and the complainant has been informed of the matter. The MACC said the complainant has agreed with the new measure.

NONEAlthough the MACC did not name the complainant, it is believed to be referring to NGO Jingga 13 leader Fariz Musa, who lodged a report last week.

In a statement today, Fariz (centre, in spectacles) said he has been informed by the MACC that the case was being investigated under Section 409 of the Penal Code, for criminal breach of trust.

An offence under this law carries a maximum jail sentence of 20 years' jail, whipping and a fine.

Police must act fast

In view of the latest developments, Fariz urged the police to expedite investigations against the high-profile figures and the large sum of public funds involved.

"The National Feedlot project not only failed, but the people's money has been abused," complained Fariz, who a former PKR Youth wing deputy chief.

NFC came under scrutiny after the 2010 Auditor-General's Report had described it as "a mess".

Digging deeper, PKR unearthed public documents that revealed  NFC’s sister-company, National Livestock and Meats Corporation (NLMC), to have used a portion of a government loan to buy a luxury condominium unit.

The party said the move was improper for a company that was formed by the government to address Malaysia’s deficit in beef supply.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Noh Omar responded that the government had no control over how the company used the funds, but stressed that there was no impropriety involved.

Also coming to NFC’s defence was BN backbencher Khairy Jamaluddin, who said the condominium purchase was a strategic investment move by NLMC.

Khairy argued that NFC had faced problems and thus delayed beef production to be processed by the NLMC. Since the NLMC had excess funds, investing it would provide solid returns.


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