MACC also looking into Defence Ministry’s luxury purchases
By Makwin Nik Anis, The Star
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened at least 15 investigation papers based on the latest Auditor-General’s Report, including the Defence Ministry’s RM310,000 purchases for a VVIP room.
Deputy Chief Commissioner Datuk Shukri Abdull said some of the complaints came from the public and the commission initiated investigations two months ago.
“The number of investigation papers opened based on the 2009 (Auditor-General’s) Report is 15 and counting. We are still looking through the report to detect anything that has the element of corruption.
“We also investigate complaints of parties failing to follow specifications, failure to provide supply as per contract and also on false claims,” he said, adding that the time taken to complete the investigations would depend on documents and accounts that they had to look at.
Shukri was speaking after attending the launch of MACC Innovation Day by ComÂmissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed.
The A-G’s Report for 2009 had pointed out several matters, including the Defence Ministry’s purchase of a set of chandeliers valued at RM10,000, home theatre set at RM12,000, wallpaper (RM95,800) and sofa set (RM13,000) for its VVIP room under the First Economic Stimulus Package.
The report, among others, also stated that a total of RM753,723 was paid for 67 acquisitions involving 31 projects, without the items being received or the jobs done under the First Economic Stimulus Package.
It also pointed out that equipment worth RM2mil were unused in laboratories in Universiti Malaya because they were broken or due to lack of expertise.
Shukri said the MACC had questioned several individuals to facilitate investigations into these cases, but declined to reveal whe-ther high-profile personalities were among those who had been called.
“Our investigation covers everybody. WhoÂever is involved, we will call for an investigation,” he said.
On another matter, Shukri confirmed having received reports alleging abuse and corruption during the Galas and Batu Sapi by-elections but declined to reveal details.
