MACC hasn’t called me over rare earths probe, says Sanusi

 

Sanusi Nor questioned the intention behind the MACC’s investigation. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sanusi Nor says he has not been summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over its investigation into alleged misappropriation and abuse of power in the mining of rare earths.

The caretaker Kedah menteri besar questioned how news claiming that he was being probed by the anti-graft agency had made the rounds “preceding the process”.“So far, no MACC officers have come to meet or summon me over its investigation into the rare earth mining case. None,” he said in a Facebook post.

However, he said the news on the probe had been circulating over the past few days.

“Doesn’t this seem strange and suspicious? Are they trying to seek the truth and uphold the law, or are they trying to damage (my) reputation?

“I think their real intention is simply to ruin (my) credibility in order to gain advantage in the upcoming elections. Right or wrong does not matter,” he said.

Yesterday, FMT quoted a source as saying that the MACC was investigating a menteri besar for alleged misappropriation and abuse of power in the mining of rare earths.

The source said the anti-graft agency had opened an investigation paper earlier this year and had interviewed several witnesses. However, the status of the probe remains unknown.

According to the source, several NGOs had raised concerns about the alleged illegal mining, which had been carried out indiscriminately.

The source also said several witnesses had come forward to lodge a formal report with MACC, urging it to investigate the menteri besar for alleged abuse of power and graft following a letter, which had been addressed to the home ministry, that went viral on social media.

When contacted, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the matter and said the menteri besar would be called in for questioning soon.

However, the New Straits Times reported that the MACC had launched a probe into the alleged misuse of authority by Sanusi, in his capacity as then Kedah menteri besar, in regards to rare earth mining in the state. - FMT