We’ll cooperate on RM40m embezzlement, says Riot

Human Resources Minister Richard Riot Jaem has pledged that his ministry will give full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into the alleged embezzlement of money from the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK).

"Let MACC do its work. We cannot meddle, but as far as we are concerned, the ministry will give its fullest cooperation. That is most important," Riot told reporters in Kajang today.

He said this when asked to comment on the arrest of five suspects, including one of his aides, in relation to the RM40 million embezzlement of PTPK funds.

Riot reminded that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and being investigated does not mean a person is implicated in an alleged crime.

He also said he does not know if there would be any more arrests, adding that the arrests had taken the ministry by surprise.

As for PTPK, he said the corporation was still operating as usual.

A Sept 14 Bernama report said the MACC had arrested four suspects from PTPK on suspicion of embezzling RM15 million last year and RM25 million this year.

These are the company's chief executive, secretary, assistant finance officer and a director.

Yesterday, the MACC said it has arrested one of Riot's aides as well in relation to the case.- Mkini