A former political secretary to a prominent Umno politician was arrested for questioning on Friday over alleged misappropriation of government funds through 1Azam (Akhiri Zaman Miskin) programme.

The arrest was confirmed by a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) official, who also revealed that the detainee was a former Umno state assemblyperson and a former student movement leader.

"MACC confirms the arrest of the individual for the purpose of facilitating investigations. He was released this morning after having his statements recorded," said the official, who declined to be named.

According to a MACC source, the arrest was made following a tip-off. It is learnt that several luxury vehicles belonging to the person was also confiscated by the MACC.

The 1Azam programme is a pilot project initiated as part of the Najib-administration's National Key Results Area (NKRA) initiative and is managed by the women, family and commnunity development ministry.

Aimed at the hardcore poor, 1Azam was designed to help provide job opportunities and skills training.

During his Budget 2013 speech, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced RM400 million was to be allocated to the 1Azam programme.