Low: Gov't must step into cheating claim by British

The government must expedite investigations into the claims by 60 British investors that they lost RM12 million through the fraudulent practises of a telecommunications company linked to former Umno treasurer Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi, a minister said today.

Governance and Transparency Minister Paul Low (right) said he first learnt about the case a few months ago, as a newly-minted minister in May, but he took a wait-and-see position. 

However, with the group called British Victims of Investing in Malaysia (BVIM) having lobbied Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak during his presence at the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in London earlier this week, action needed to be taken, Low said. 

"Ideally, it should be expedited, action shouldn't take so long," Low told Malaysiakini. "Principles of upholding the rule of law should be implemented, regardless of the personalities involved."

BVIM claimed that the firm owned by Abdul Azim, Doxport Technologies Sdn Bhd, took money from the British investors for the purchase and installation of telecommunications equipment in 2008 but the investors have received no payback since.

'I cannot intervene in investigation'

It made a police report two years ago, and filed a lawsuit against the company this year. Subsequently, the group said it has also contacted the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on this matter with the help of Transparency International-Malaysia.

MACC director Mustaffa Ali could not be immediately reached to comment.

Asked if he would now personally take up the case involving the former Umno treasurer, Low would only say: "I am not so familiar with the case.".

He added: "We have to look at whether it's just a civil case or not... what they are interested in, why no action has been taken, if there was any wrongdoing...

"It is difficult for me to make a commitment. I have to see... I cannot intervene in the investigation."

Low added that BVIM has filed a police report and it would therefore be the task of the country's enforcement agencies to follow up on the matter.

He also urged BVIM to complain to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), since it has claimed that Doxport had falsified documents to solicit investments.