More allegations against Awang Adek surface

The whistleblower who produced evidence allegedly of corrupt practices involving Deputy Finance Minister Awang Adek Hussin has made more claims against the Bachok MP.

In an anonymous blog posting, the person identifying himself as Whistleblower 771, claimed that Awang's (right) explanation of the cash deposits into his personal account was only "half truths".

The blogger said this is because the cash deposits were made in his name in his capacity as chairperson of the Skim Jejak Jaya Bumiputera (SJJB) working committee.

While he does not furnish documentary evidence this time, Whistblower 771 said that a "trustworthy source" said the SJJB committee is also "the committee to initiate all major government contract awards".

"As the (chairperson) of the SJJB working committee, he has all the right to initiate and make 'recommendations' on any major government contract award," he said.

According to its official website, SJJB functions includes "identifying Bumiputera companies that possess the required capabilities, providing them with the "last mile" assistance to ensure that these companies qualify for (public) listing".

Among the bumiputera companies assisted by the SJJB for listing is Psetarian Berhad, which TA securities said had received many government contracts "in relation to the company's involvement in the SJJB programme".

In the new posting, the whistleblower also produced a copy of a payment voucher from Advance Maintenance Precision Management Sdn Bhd (AMPMSB) to Awang purportedly for RM80,000.

The recipient column is left empty, but in an apparent post its note states that the payment was for "the account of the Bachok MP".

'Contravened MACC Act'

Earlier, the blogger had produced documentary evidence alleging that Awang had received "contributions" for the award of the Sultan Iskandar building and Johor Bahru Sentral.

The project was awarded to AMPMSB, whose managing director is Umno Pasir Gudang committee member Yahya Abdul Jalil.

It is uncertain if AMPMSB is among the companies involved in the bumiputera scheme.

In response to the earlier allegations, Awang had said that he has no power as deputy finance minister to approve contracts, and that the contributions made to his personal account were for his constituency's welfare programmes.

Commenting on this, the whistleblower said that the senator's admission shows he had contravened the Malaysian Anti Corruption Act, as pointed out by NGO leader Robert Phang and MACC advisory panel chairperson Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh.

Also implicated in the allegations against Awang Adek were aides to Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Muhyiddin had said he is probing the matter internally, but the whistleblower pointed out that no news has emerged on that investigation since then.

Azalina's car sale over priced

Meanwhile, on a separate allegation, Whistleblower 771 also questioned the response of former youth and sports minister Azalina Othman (left), also involving the AMPMSB.

The blogger said that explanation, made on behalf of the Pengerang MP, does not gel as the sale price of the classic Mercedes Benz car is higher than the market value of RM188,000.

"The car was first advertised...(on) the Internet (on www.carlist.my) on March 4, 2011, and is believed sold as the owner updated (the posting) on Apr 4, 2011.

"(This) is four working days after Yahya Abdul Jalil or AMPMSB issued a cheque 'valued' at RM300,000 in (Azalina's) name. Talk about pure coincidence," the blogger said.

The blogger supported this with a copy of a payment voucher from AMPSB to Azalina for RM300,000 but the description was left blank.

In contrast, Whistleblower 771 produced another payment voucher by AMPSB to Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd clearly stipulated for the "Purchase of an Audi 2008".

Azalina, via her media officer, had previously refuted claims of "contributions" and said it was payment for the sale of the classic car.