MACC opens two files against Tourism Minister

(NST) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened two investigation papers against Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said over money politics and misuse of ministry funds.

One of the investigations is centred on the seizure of RM70,000 from the car of a senior aide last Wednesday.

The second investigation involved allegations of misuse of ministry funds.

It was learnt that an unsubstantiated sum was used purportedly for a ministry function which was instead attended by Umno leaders.

An MACC source said investigations into the RM70,000 are being finalised before the case can be submitted to the Umno Management and Disciplinary Board for further action.

"It needs to be completed soon to enable the board to take appropriate action before the party elections at the end of this month."

The source also said that the MACC would be calling Azalina soon to have her statement recorded.

MACC has also started questioning several Federal Territory Umno delegates who attended a dinner hosted by Azalina at a restaurant in Jalan Ampang recently.

About 40 delegates attended the dinner, arranged by an Umno division chief.

Sources said not all delegates would be called to have their statements recorded.

"It is enough to call a few of them to ascertain whether they were given any form of rewards or money that night," said another source.

It was learnt that the MACC is trying to establish if the ministry was used as a front to canvass for votes at the upcoming Umno general assembly and elections.