Mukhriz offers MACC help in RM2m probe

GLC GRAFT: MB says Kedah govt will accept outcome of investigation

(NST) - MENTERI Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has offered his full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its probe into  alleged misappropriation of RM2 million involving a government-linked company during the Pas-led administration.

Mukhriz said he was shocked by the alleged incident and offered the state government's assistance in facilitating the probe whenever needed by the MACC.

He stressed that the state government would accept the outcome of the probe, including the possibility of the GLC officials facing criminal prosecution.

"I am shocked over the news report and we at the state government are offering our fullest cooperation in the MACC probe.

"The state government will not tolerate any corrupt practice or abuse of power. I have also made this stand clear to our executive councillors, assemblymen and civil servants," Mukhriz said while winding up the debate of motion of thanks on the opening address by the Sultan of Kedah Council of Regency chairman Tan Sri Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah.

He was responding to a Berita Harian front-page report yesterday that MACC was probing into an alleged criminal breach of trust (CBT) case involving the embezzlement of RM2 million from one of the GLCs in the state.

The investigation suggested that the money was siphoned from the GLC's account and used for political purposes during the 13th General Election in May.

Three officials from the GLC, including its chief executive officer and managing director, aged between 45 and 50, are being investigated.

MACC special operations department director Datuk Mohd Jamidan Abdullah was quoted as saying that the probe centred on corruption, CBT and money-laundering.

According to the report, the company director had withdrawn RM500,000 from the GLC account and transferred the money into his personal account, believed to be meant for his personal use and political party campaign.

Meanwhile, the second day of the state legislative assembly sitting saw opposition assemblymen being forced to concede that there were serious financial discrepancies and mismanagement in Kolej Universiti Insaniah (Kuin) during the previous administration.

State Education, Transportation and Public Works Committee chairman Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain (BN-Merbok) dropped a bombshell on the opposition bench when he divulged details of management flaws in Insaniah Holdings Sdn Bhd, which had cost Kuin millions of ringgit.

Insaniah Holdings was established by the Pas-led state government to generate income for Kuin but ended up draining millions of ringgit because of poor financial management, cronyism and nepotism.

The revelations prompted Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi (Pas-Pengkalan Kundor) to concede that Kuin and Insaniah Holdings top management, appointed by the Pas administration, had caused massive damage to the previous state government.

The former state executive councillor said he was stunned by the findings and called on the state government to initiate a White Paper to investigate the discrepancies and mismanagement in the state-owned institutions.

"There is so much speculation over the alleged discrepancies in Kuin.

"I am proposing that the state government consider calling for a White Paper to investigate the allegations as we (the opposition) are also eager to know the truth."

The state legislative assembly later passed a bill to amend the State Syariah Criminal Enactment to curb the spread of Shia teachings in Kedah.

The bill was passed with 21 votes from the floor.