The MACC has nabbed a senior officer to Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar during a raid at the ministry in Putrajaya this morning.
When contacted, MACC commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the arrest linked to graft allegations that also involved a migrant worker recruitment agency.
"A graft case linked to migrant workers (hiring) quota," said Azam in a brief text message to Malaysiakini.
Sivakumar, in a brief statement, acknowledged the officer’s arrest - who is said to be a former Perak DAP Youth leader.
"I am aware of the officer’s arrest from my office. As the matter is still under investigation by the MACC, I cannot provide any comments for now.
"The Human Resources Ministry and I will give full cooperation to the MACC where necessary.
“I hope the media do not make any assumptions or speculation that can affect any party until the relevant investigation is completed," he said.
Separately, the online portal The Vibes reported that the arrest pertains to allegations that those involved had set up a migrant worker recruitment agency to obtain approval from the ministry despite conflicts of interest.
It is learnt that MACC investigations are focusing on other individuals within the ministry and its related agencies.
Industry sources told Malaysiakini that the arrested officer, in his senior position, could potentially influence approvals of hiring quotas from manpower agencies.
Last month, Sivakumar announced that the quota application and approval for foreign workers, including through the Foreign Worker Employment Relaxation Plan, have been temporarily suspended.
He had at the time said the suspension was to enable employers, who have already been granted quotas, to start making plans for the immediate entry of foreign workers. - Mkini
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