MACC to call ‘key person’ in Felda probe next week

(Bernama) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will call a key individual next week in connection with the purchase of a hotel in London and another in Kuching, Sarawak by Felda Investment Corporation (FIC).

Its deputy chief commissioner (Operations), Datuk Mohd Azam Baki, however, declined to reveal the identity of the individual.

Speaking on Bernama News Channel’s ‘Ruang Bicara’ programme, Azam said so far, nine individuals had been detained and more than 30 witnesses called in connection with the purchase of the two hotels.

“With regard to the hotel purchase in London, the investigating officer will record statements from witnesses who include lawyers and bank officers,” he said.

Asked whether the MACC would investigate the purchase of other hotels by FIC, he said, so far, the commission was only investigating the hotel purchases in London and Kuching.

“If there are others, we will see whether there are elements of corruption or abuse of power in these purchases,” he said.

The MACC opened an investigation paper on the purchase of the four-star hotel in Kensington, London between 2013 and 2015, which was paid for at a much higher price than the original price, causing the Felda subsidiary company to lose millions of ringgit.

It commenced investigation into the purchase of the hotel in Kuching following information received by the investigating team while probing the purchase of the hotel in London.

On Wednesday, three individuals reportedly gave their statements on the purchase of the hotel in London at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

According to a source in the MACC, one of the three was  a former member of the FIC board of directors.

The others are the director of a division in Felda and the legal partner of a lawyer who had earlier been remanded over the handling of the documentation process in the sale and purchase of the hotel.