MACC probing ex-PAS leader over RM3.5m for T'ganu PAS

MACC is investigating a former PAS leader over the allegation that the party's Terengganu chapter received RM3.5 million from Umno.

Malaysiakini learned that the former leader was once a prominent figure, but is no longer politically active.

A high-ranking investigator, who declined to be named, said his team believes there is a strong case against the politician.

Investigators are looking at Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, which states that soliciting, receiving or giving gratification as an inducement constitutes a crime.

The officer told Malaysiakini that the investigation papers have been submitted to the prosecutors' office and MACC is awaiting further instructions.

RM90m saga over?

This particular probe stemmed from MACC's investigation regarding the allegation that PAS had received RM90 million from Umno.

According to the officer, MACC did not find any irregularities arising from the allegation.

However, during the course of the investigation, the team red-flagged the RM3.5 million transfer to one of Terengganu PAS' committees.

"What we are looking at now is different (from the probe on the RM90 million), including (transfers of monies) between individuals.

"One of (the probe) is on the RM3.5 million payment to Terengganu PAS. That is what we are focusing on now," said the officer.

Contacted later, MACC deputy chief commissioner Azam Baki (photo) declined to comment on the status of the commission's probes on both the RM90 million and the transfer of RM3.5 million.

A donation?

In 2016, an allegation surfaced that PAS' top brass had received RM90 million from Umno sources.

The allegation again came under the spotlight earlier this year after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang withdrew his defamation suit against Sarawak Reporteditor Clare Rewcastle-Brown for writing about the allegation. 

Adding to the intrigue was the allegation that prior to the last general election, Terengganu PAS leaders received RM2.5 million from Umno sources. 

PAS central committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki conceded there was such a transaction, but claimed the money came from a legitimate donor, not Umno. - Mkini