Azam Baki: No criminal elements in MyKiosk tender probe, to seek court order for RM170m asset forfeiture linked to Ismail Sabri
He said the MACC's current investigation revolves around governance issues.
'There has been a misunderstanding in the media suggesting we are investigating a criminal case. We have conducted a preliminary investigation and found no criminal elements, but we are now focusing on governance issues, if any, in order to provide recommendations to KPKT for improvement. However, the matter is not yet concluded,' he said.
Azam said this at a press conference after witnessing the handover of duties between the new MACC Kelantan director Azmin Yusoff and his predecessor Rosli Husain here today.
He added that the MACC took into account the report from MCA Youth as well as input received from KPKT itself, and the ministry had cooperated well in the investigation.
Yesterday, the MACC began investigations into allegations of corruption and misappropriation involving the MyKiosk construction tender by KPKT.
Meanwhile, commenting on the investigation involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Azam said the MACC would apply to the court to forfeit assets worth RM170 million that had been seized.
'If he (Ismail Sabri) challenges this in court, then the trial will proceed, and if the forfeiture is successful, the money will become government revenue. That is the decision made by the Public Prosecutor at this time,' he said.
Previously, the former Prime Minister had been called in several times for statement recording sessions regarding the declaration of assets he made to the MACC under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009.
The Bera Member of Parliament is also being investigated for corruption and money laundering involving the expenditure and procurement of funds for the promotion and publicity of the Keluarga Malaysia programme during his tenure as Prime Minister from August 2021 to November 2022.
The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. — Bernama
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
2 men killed in shootout with cops in Jitra
The police forensic unit at the scene of the shootout in Jitra, Kedah, this morning. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Two men, suspected to be criminals, were killed in a shootout with police in Jitra, Kedah, today. The incident happened on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) entrance road at 8.05am. Kedah police chief Fisol Salleh said policemen patrolling the area approached a four-wheel drive vehicle, with its occupants looking suspicious, and ordered it to stop, Bernama reported. 'The two men opened fire on the police vehicle. In the shootout that ensued, both were killed. 'Police found two firearms – a revolver and semi-automatic pistol – several bullets, a parang, and other tools for carrying out criminal activities in the car,' he told reporters at the scene. He said a background check on one of the men, aged 41, revealed that he had a criminal record for more than 40 offences. The identity of the other suspect was still unknown as he did not have any identification papers on him. 'We believe the two were part of a larger group commiting violent crimes across the country, including drug trafficking, gangsterism, factory break-ins and armed robberies. This gang is believed to have been active since 2020. 'The police forensic unit found three bullet casings at the scene,' he said. The bodies were sent to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar for an autopsy. The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. Bukit Aman criminal investigation department acting director Fadil Marsus, who was also present at the scene, said the two men were believed to belong to a criminal gang that had committed serious crimes. 'We are investigating whether they were linked to a criminal group in Klang, Selangor. The group is believed to have more than 30 members,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Preacher arrested over alleged sex videos with wives, other women
Shah Alam police chief Iqbal Ibrahim said a check on the suspect's phones revealed several sex videos with his wives, and inappropriate photos of other women. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Police have arrested an independent preacher for allegedly distributing sex videos involving himself, his wives and several other women. Shah Alam police chief Iqbal Ibrahim said the man's second wife lodged a report on June 16, claiming her husband had distributed the explicit content. 'Following the report, police arrested her husband and seized two mobile phones and a laptop belonging to him. 'A forensic check conducted on the phones revealed several sex videos with his wives as well as inappropriate photos of several other women,' he said in a statement. Iqbal said the suspect was remanded for four days until today, and has since been released on police bail. The case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting a person's modesty, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities or services. Police are also investigating the case under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for insulting behaviour.
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Doubts over Madani City are completely understandable. Here's why
From Boo Jia Cher Putrajaya's RM4 billion Madani City project promises a people-centric, walkable and sustainable city under the 'Malaysia Madani' banner. On paper, it's an inspiring vision for urban development. But scan through social media and it tells a different story. Public scepticism is widespread, and for good reason. The project touts a pedestrian-friendly design, underground roads and 10-15 minute walkability. It's progressive, by Malaysian standards. But there's one glaring flaw: Kota Madani's isolation from mass transit. Cut off from residents Quickly glance at a map of where it will be located and we can see that the MRT Putrajaya Line is far from Precinct 19. Without direct, convenient public transport connections, residents will remain car-dependent. The promise of leaving the car at home falls apart when faced with long, uncovered walks or unreliable feeder services. Instead of integration, Kota Madani risks becoming a well-designed but disconnected enclave – in theory another 'walkable city', but not in practice. It risks following the same trajectory as Desa ParkCity: pleasant and walkable within its elite borders, yet inconvenient to access without a car, and as a result, grappling with the same traffic congestion as the rest of the Klang Valley. Spend the money on existing areas The need for affordable housing for civil servants is understandable. But is building a brand-new township really the best use of RM4 billion? What if that money was channelled into retrofitting existing areas, making mature neighbourhoods near public transport truly walkable, expanding green spaces, improving public services and fixing first- and last-mile connectivity? It can be a golden opportunity to whip local councils, many of which have been festering in inaction and mediocrity for decades, into real and measurable action. Councils must be held accountable to provide proper, people-focused infrastructure, not continue enabling the car-centric madness choking our cities. Upgrading what already exists often delivers faster, broader benefits than starting from scratch, especially when new developments risk repeating the same old mistakes. Political branding Naming the project 'Kota Madani' directly ties it to the prime minister's political vision. Politicising long-term infrastructure is risky: cities outlive political cycles. When projects carry the mark of current leadership, future governments may abandon or rebrand them for political reasons. We've seen slogans like Wawasan 2020, 1Malaysia or Malaysia Baharu; once ubiquitous, yet over time they faded, replaced by new political branding with each administration. Madani will be no different. The public already dismisses 'Kota Madani' as more political theatre than meaningful progress. Good urban projects should stand on their own; built to last, not propped up by slogans destined to be forgotten. Lessons from abroad Malaysia doesn't need to reinvent the wheel. Proven urban strategies already exist, such as: Hong Kong's rail and property model: profitable, transit-oriented development around stations funds both housing and public transport, integrating the two from the start; Singapore's master planning: dense, walkable neighbourhoods are built directly along MRT lines, with seamless pedestrian and high frequency bus links; Tokyo's transit hubs: multi-level walkways and integrated developments around stations reduce car use and boost quality of life; Seoul's urban regeneration: projects like Cheonggyecheon show the power of investing in existing urban areas, turning soul-crushing highways into vibrant, green public spaces. Instead of isolated townships, Malaysia must apply these models to existing urban corridors, building housing, services and infrastructure together, close to transit and jobs. A vision in need of repair Kota Madani, or any urban redevelopment framed around people-centric ideals, has the potential to be more than political theatre or a short-term bid for civil servant support. However, that requires fixing its fundamental flaws. Real urban progress strengthens existing communities, connects people to opportunity and each other and prioritises lasting impact over grand announcements. Public scepticism is loud and clear. The question is: will Madani listen? If the government wants Kota Madani to be more than an expensive illusion, it must engage, adapt and fix the cracks before a single brick is laid. Boo Jia Cher is an FMT reader. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
