61 witnesses called in MEX II probe, says Azam
PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has called 61 witnesses in its ongoing investigation into the Maju Expressway Extension (MEX II) project, says chief commissioner Azam Baki.
Speaking at a press conference in Kota Bharu, Azam said that all witnesses were summoned recently.
'I have given my officers a maximum of two months to complete the investigation papers for this case, and I believe that it can be completed sooner and then submitted to the deputy public prosecutor,' he said, reported Bernama.
On May 29, MACC seized assets worth around RM32 million as part of its probe into the case.
This included a luxury condominium and a plot of land valued at RM24.5 million, as well as nine vehicles valued at RM7.6 million.
MACC has also seized luxury watches valued at about RM25 million, designer handbags valued at RM3 million, jewellery and diamonds worth RM6 million, four horses valued at RM400,000, and premium alcoholic beverages worth RM3 million.
The anti-graft agency had questioned a corporate figure with a 'Tan Sri' title whom Azam previously said was the main suspect in the case. The corporate figure is being investigated for false claims and misuse of loan bonds related to the highway project.
Hundreds of millions in sukuk funds were suspected to have been channelled to a company owned by the 'Tan Sri' and later misused for personal interests instead of the highway project.
The funds were allegedly transferred to multiple entities, including proxy companies and the personal account of a family member, and used to acquire real estate, luxury vehicles and goods, as well as to fund gambling activities.
The 18km MEX II extension, intended to link Putrajaya to KLIA, began in 2016 and was initially scheduled for completion in December 2019.
Last month, works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government was working with all stakeholders to resolve the project's delay, reportedly caused by financial issues.
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