MACC arrests T'ganu exco over alleged abuse of power
MACC has arrested a Terengganu state executive councillor this morning over suspicion of abusing his position.
The anti-graft agency said the unnamed suspect, who is an elected representative in his 60s, had allegedly abused his power to make two state government-linked companies (GLCs) hire his two children.
“The suspect was arrested about 11.15am when he came to the Kemaman MACC office to give a statement.
“Initial investigation revealed that he had (allegedly) committed the offences between 2018 and 2020,” MACC said in a statement today.
Terengganu MACC director Hazrul Shazreen Abd Yazid confirmed the arrest, adding that the investigation is being carried out under Section 23 of the MACC Act.
The provision criminalises abuse of power by an officer of a public body for gratification, and carries a punishment of jail term not exceeding 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Hazrul said MACC expects to press charges against the lawmaker soon.
Malaysiakini has reached out to Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s Office for comment.
Why now?
In an immediate response to the arrest, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari raised concern over the timing of the action.
While PAS respects the process of justice, he said the party could not help but wonder what caused MACC to only move on the case now, despite the alleged offences occurring years ago.
"So, for the past six years, MACC did not have anything new, but all of a sudden, it has a development today?
"The bigger question is why now, when the Madani government is at its lowest point with many issues implicating top country leaders, including recent disclosures of alleged wrongdoings?” Fadhli asked in a statement on Facebook.
He said doing this to a PAS representative known to be clean of corruption will create a public perception that there is more than meets the eye.
"We expect there will be more such cases after this. But whatever it is, we will remain calm and leave it to the court process," he added.
Fadhli said the exco member does not have to resign at this juncture because his role in the state government does not influence the MACC investigation.
