MACC records Isa Samad's statement at Sungai Buloh prison over Felda probe

 

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said investigators are recording a statement from former Felda chairman Tan Sri Isa Samad at Sungai Buloh Prison as part of investigations into Felda and Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC). — NSTP/HARI ANGGARA

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigators are recording a statement from former Felda chairman Tan Sri Isa Samad at Sungai Buloh Prison as part of investigations into Felda and Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC).

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said investigators began recording Isa's statement on Sept 17 and continued yesterday.

He said the process was expected to continue for another three or four days.

"So far, his statement has been recorded for two full days.

"It will continue on Monday and we expect the process of recording the former Felda chairman's statement to be completed by Thursday," he told a press conference.

Abd Halim was speaking to reporters after launching the MACC Shooting Programme with the media at the Kajang Prison College today.

Also present were MACC Strategic Communications Division director Hisyam Mohd Yusoff, MACC Intelligence Division Senior Director Datuk Saiful Ezral Arifin, Media Prima Bhd News and Current Affairs Deputy Group Managing Editor Datuk Farrah Naz Abd Karim and New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd chief operating officer Luqman Adrine Ja'afar.

At the MACC Shooting Programme with the media at the Kajang Prison College today, in attendance were MACC Strategic Communications Division director Hisyam Mohd Yusoff, MACC Intelligence Division Senior Director Datuk Saiful Ezral Arifin and Media Prima Berhad News and Current Affairs Deputy Group Managing Editor Datuk Farrah Naz Abd Karim. — NSTP/HARI ANGGARA

Abd Halim thanked the Sungai Buloh Prison director for facilitating the process and providing full cooperation to investigators.

The statement is being recorded as MACC intensifies investigations into seven cases involving the purchase or investment in assets by Felda and FIC between 2010 and 2020.

Six new investigation papers have been opened, while one earlier investigation has been revived.

Abd Halim said 34 witnesses had so far been called to give statements in connection with the seven investigations.

They include former Felda and FIC board members, management personnel from both entities, government officials, land office representatives, independent valuers and lawyers.

Two people, a former Felda director-general and former FIC chief executive officer, were arrested on Sept 6 and subsequently remanded before being released on MACC bail.

Abd Halim said investigators were examining suspected elements of corruption, misappropriation and abuse of power involving asset purchases allegedly made above their valuation.

It was reported that MACC was awaiting the green light to record a statement from a former Felda chairman who is currently serving a prison sentence, as part of its investigation into assets and investments involving FIC.

The commission would need the Prisons Department's assent to record the former chairman's statement.

Abd Halim had said the former chairman was among the key witnesses investigators intend to question as the probe into Felda's assets and FIC investments progresses.

He said MACC has opened seven investigation papers under Op Fella so far, and recorded statements from 29 witnesses over Felda and FIC asset investments suspected of involving elements of corruption.

"Those questioned included former members of the Felda and FIC boards of directors, former management personnel from both entities, as well as individuals from government agencies and the private sector," he said. - NST