Former gov't agency chief remanded over RM99m contract

The MACC has obtained a four-day remand order against a former top official from a government agency and the CEO of a private company today.

This is to facilitate investigations into allegations of abuse of power involving government contracts worth over RM99 million.

“The former chairperson of the government agency is suspected to have used his position as chairperson to recommend a company via direct tender to conduct a digital advertising campaign for the China market from 2018 to 2020 that would cost an estimated RM99 million from the agency’s budget,” an MACC source said.

The duo were brought to the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court at about 9am today in orange MACC lockup uniforms, and were led away at about 10.20am.

It is understood that Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin presided over the remand proceeding and granted a remand until Jan 12.

The 64-year old chairperson was arrested at 5.50pm yesterday, while the 32-year old CEO was arrested earlier at 5.20pm on the same day.

Both were arrested at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya after turning up to have their statements recorded.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki confirmed the arrests and said that investigations were conducted under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 that deals with abuse of power.

The offence is punishable under Section 24 of the same act, which provides for up to 20 years of imprisonment upon conviction, and a fine at is at least five times the value of the gratification involved or RM10,000; whichever fine is higher.

- Mkini