Muhyiddin to be quizzed on 1BestariNet at right time, says MACC

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki says the agency is gathering more information about the controversial project.

(FMT) – Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin will be summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission over its investigation into the 1BestariNet project after it gathers more information.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said Muhyiddin, who initiated the project in 2011 when he was the education minister, would be called in “just like others who were involved in the project”.

“But now, the time hasn’t come yet, based on information from our investigators.

“There are still many aspects we still need to explore,” Azam said in a press conference today.

Last month, MACC raided the Kuala Lumpur office of YTL Communications and a government office as part of an investigation into payment claims related to the 1BestariNet service tender.

It was learnt that the probe is centred on claims involving false details related to RM2.7 billion in payments, as well as other criminal elements under the MACC Act 2009.

YTL Communications’ parent company, YTL Power International Bhd, has since maintained that the project, which ended on June 30, 2019, was certified by the education ministry as successfully completed at the end of the contract period.

The mega project, designed to provide connectivity and a learning platform for teachers, students and parents, was often criticised for poor internet service.

Muhyiddin has denied any wrongdoing in the awarding of the project tender during his tenure as education minister, insisting that he did not take “a single sen” and that the tender process was conducted transparently.

He also claimed he did not see the contract or its provisions and that everything was handled by the government and the finance ministry.
Probe into doctors’ Socso claims to be completed ‘soon’

Separately, Azam said he hopes the investigation into doctors who had allegedly falsified disability claims with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) for several years, would be completed “soon”.

“My directive to them (his officers) is that they must complete it by November,” he said.

He said MACC is looking into cases involving 37 suspects, including six doctors.

“For each person, we have to open a separate file. Hence it may take a while,” he said.

In September, an internal investigation by Socso uncovered the existence of a cartel making falsified disability claims with the organisation for several years.

Socso said the internal investigation was conducted by its anti-fraud ethics and integrity division this year, leading to the discovery of the cartel, which is allegedly involved in falsifying RM2.1 million in Socso disability claims.

It is understood that the cartel, allegedly active since 2017, was involved in making false claims related to spinal injuries and anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries.