Ex-DG arrested over land deal with project developer

 The 'Datuk' and another man were arrested by MACC in an investigation into the sale of land belonging to a statutory body.

The two men, aged in the 50s and 60s were arrested after arriving at MACC’s Putrajaya headquarters to have their statements recorded.

PETALING JAYA:

A former director-general of a statutory body who holds the title of “Datuk” and another man have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in an investigation into the sale of land belonging to the statutory body.

The two men, aged in their 50s and 60s, were arrested this afternoon after they arrived at MACC’s Putrajaya headquarters to give their statements.

An MACC source said they would be investigated for alleged misappropriation, abuse of power and bribery in the appointment of a developer for a project in Kuala Lumpur.

“Both men are suspected of involvement in the sale of land belonging to the statutory body to a company with interests linked to the developer without the knowledge of the statutory body’s board of directors or its subsidiaries,” said the source.

A remand order will be sought from the magistrates’ court tomorrow to hold the two men in custody.

MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman confirmed the arrests and said the case is being investigated over bribery to influence official actions or transactions.

The arrests comes weeks after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the government would look into Felda’s problems following the release of a royal commission of inquiry report into Tabung Haji.

He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, had stated that investigations into statutory bodies should not stop at Tabung Haji. - FMT