RCI TH: Former Minister to Be Charged Next Monday – MACC

PUTRAJAYA: A former minister will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court next Monday in connection with an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) following the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the commission has recommended three charges against the individual under Section 403 of the Penal Code for the offence of dishonest misappropriation of property.

Speaking at a special press conference at the MACC headquarters here today, he said the former minister is also linked to assets in Saudi Arabia.

He said that, so far, five individuals have been charged in court following the findings of the TH RCI report. They include the former Deputy General Manager (Construction) of TH Properties Sdn Bhd, the former Safety and Health Manager of TH Properties Sdn Bhd, the former Chairman of Lembaga Tabung Haji, the Chief Executive Officer of Alam Maritim Sdn Bhd, and the former Chief Operating Officer of Tabung Haji.

In addition, of the 14 investigation papers previously opened by the MACC, six have been completed. Two resulted in criminal charges, while the remaining four were classified as requiring no further action.

Abd Halim said the remaining eight investigation papers were initiated by the MACC based on the findings of the TH RCI report, with the commission pursuing investigations into investments that were found to be questionable and disappointing.

“So far, we have recommended three cases for prosecution, including the one that will be charged next Monday. The remaining cases are still under investigation because they involve foreign entities in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

“The process takes time because we have to go through mutual legal assistance procedures, obtain documents from foreign authorities, and record witness statements,” he said.

In a related development, he denied claims that a senior UMNO leader would be summoned by the commission to give a statement after the UMNO General Assembly next week.

“I’m not sure where that report came from. It is not even on our list, nor is there any investigation scheduled involving an UMNO leader next week,” he said.

Earlier, media reports claimed that another senior UMNO leader would be called in by the MACC next week to assist in investigations stemming from the TH RCI findings.

According to a source, the leader, who holds a key position in UMNO, had been given time to complete party matters during the UMNO General Assembly, which is taking place from Sept 9 to Sept 12.

Bernama