22-1-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption concerning the procurement and management of the Malaysian government’s fleet of vehicles, valued at RM4.5 billion (S$1.28 billion), is set to involve a former finance minister, a prominent businessman, and several key government officials. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, confirmed that his officers conducted raids on the businessman’s residence and four associated companies on January 18.
The investigation aims to unravel the circumstances leading to the selection of the particular company tasked with managing the government’s vehicle fleet and to scrutinize the cancellation of plans to award the same project to an alternative company. Despite receiving a letter of intent from the Finance Ministry, the latter company’s proposal was terminated. The aggrieved company subsequently filed a lawsuit against the government.
Tan Sri Azam emphasized that a “long list” of individuals, including the former finance minister, would be summoned to provide explanations regarding these two critical issues. The former finance minister’s insights into the decision-making processes and the circumstances surrounding the project are deemed crucial for the investigation.
“We will have the information and explanation for this, given his position at the time. It is also possible for us to call up a former prime minister to determine if he is aware of the matter as it happened during his administration,” Azam said, emphasizing the thoroughness of the inquiry. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to shed light on the intricacies of the alleged corruption scandal involving high-profile figures in the Malaysian government.
