MACC probing RM700mil spent on govt publicity since 2020

 

An MACC source said the preliminary investigation is focussed on how the funds were spent and whether the process followed proper procedures.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched investigations into “issues” involving RM700 million that was used for promotional and publicity purposes to showcase the government’s achievements during the two previous prime ministers’ administration from 2020 to 2022.

A source said MACC officials visited the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) and finance ministry today to start the investigation process, gather information, and obtain relevant documents.

According to the source, the investigation is based on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s response to a question from Batu MP P Prabakaran last November, during which he asked about the total amount spent by the government for promotional activities since 2020.

In his reply in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said RM500 million was spent during Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as prime minister – a sum which included promoting the government’s Covid-19 initiatives. Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who succeeded Muhyiddin, “didn’t spend that much and there were leftover allocations”, Anwar said.

“Following Anwar’s statement, communication minister Fahmi Fadzil posted on social media that the public has the right to know how the RM700 million was spent,” said the source.

“MACC is taking proactive action to investigate the recent revelation about the use of the funds.

“The preliminary investigation focusses on how the funds were spent and whether the process followed proper procedures,” he said.

When contacted, MACC investigation division senior director Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed the investigation but refused to disclose further details.

Last Saturday, the police said they will investigate a report lodged by an Umno leader into possible misuse of RM700 million in public funds meant for federal government publicity campaigns from 2020 to 2022.

In a Bernama report, Wangsa Maju police chief Ashari Abu Samah confirmed receiving the report and said the police will contact the finance ministry for clarification. - FMT