Zahid's graft case - up to gov't whether to charge Ultra Kirana, says MACC

It is up to the government whether to press charges against Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd, a company alleged to have given a total S$4.24 million in bribes to former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya (above) said the priority now was that the graft case against former home minister Zahid be proven with another 33 counts against him pending at the Shah Alam Sessions Court tomorrow.

“We leave it to the government. What is important now is that we prove that these (corruption charges against Zahid) happened and bring the accused (Zahid) to court,” she told reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court where Zahid was charged with another seven counts of graft.

The Umno president, who is on garden leave, claimed trial to the charges of receiving the bribes from Ultra Kirana as an inducement to extend the company’s contract in managing a One-Stop Centre (OSC) for visa services in China and the Overseas Visa System (VLN or Visa Luar Negara).

On her attendance in court today, Latheefa said she and other MACC officers were there as a testament to the grave nature of the graft charges against Zahid, which allegedly occurred when he was home affairs minister during the BN administration.

“As a whole, there will be more than 40 charges. This is very serious and as the charge (against Zahid) proceed, we will leave it to the court (to adjudicate on the matter).

“Our attendance (in court today) is to show the seriousness of the matter as it is not the usual corruption case. It involves a leader who once held (one of the) highest posts and it involved a very high amount (of bribes).

“Due to that, it would have an impact on public interest. We were in court to witness proceedings and ensure the charges proceed smoothly,” she said.

She noted that the case against Zahid, with today’s seven charges and the 33 to read against him at the Shah Alam Sessions Court tomorrow, involved around RM47 million.

“Nothing has stopped in terms of procedure (MACC investigation and prosecution). The process of enforcement will continue. We hope to nab more (perpetrators) and bring them to justice,” she reiterated to journalists.

Asked what impact Zahid’s case had on Malaysia’s visa system, Latheefa said the MACC will leave it to the government to determine whether there were any leakages in the system.

“We leave it to the government (to determine whether) this (Zahid’s case) is a sign of any leakage, whether there is a loophole (in the system that makes it) so easy for money to be taken out. The government will look into it.

Azam Baki

Her deputy Azam Baki who was present said any weaknesses in the system would be checked by MACC, whereby a report would be sent to the Home Ministry for further action.

“If there had been any loopholes, a report will be sent to the Home Ministry for the minister and the government to take action on any such weaknesses in the system,” Azam said.

When asked whether any officers involved in exploiting weaknesses in the system would be called up by MACC, Azam said such officers would be hauled to court.

On whether Zahid’s case had affected the status of visas currently held by legitimate applicants, Latheefa reiterated that what mattered most was that Zahid case was being heard in court.

“Nothing to do with the status of (existing) visas. What matters now is that (Zahid’s alleged act of) receiving bribes is (being heard) in court,” Latheefa said.

-Mkini