MACC takes statement from 84-year-old ex-minister in Pandora Paper scandal
THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has hauled up a former minister for questioning concerning the Pandora Papers scandal. The 84-year-old ex-minister was asked to explain the money flow of 12 offshore companies owned by him and his family. The MACC may call the latter again for clarification.
(Focus Malaysia) – A son of a former prime minister will also be called by the MACC soon with more people also expected to be probed in relation to the Pandora Papers.
A source told The Star that investigators are looking at many angles, but the probe is still at an early stage. Thus far, no accounts have been frozen yet although if necessary, the MACC will seek for accounts to be frozen.
In this regard, the anonymous source contended that the MACC will be focusing its investigation on whether the assets and investments that the minister and his family are involved in abroad stem from government projects.
The Pandora Papers are a collection of documents that reveal the wealth hidden overseas, tax evasion syndicates, and money laundering activities of the rich and influential.
The data was obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and involved 600 journalists from 117 countries.
The investigation report was released in October 2021 and implicated 336 global politicians – including two Malaysians – in using offshore companies to hide ill-gotten wealth.
In October 2021, a Malaysian investigation was announced by former de facto law minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who stated that the authorities would need time to investigate as the supposed criminal activities took place around 10 years ago.
A report of the Pandora Papers document revealed the activities of some Malaysians who came from a political and entrepreneurial background and are believed to have kept their wealth abroad.
Besides the former minister, the names of two current sitting ministers are also in the Pandora Papers. There are also some businessmen and many others listed as potential violators of money laundering laws.
