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New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MACC opens investigation paper into Singaporean tycoon over Sabah mining scandal
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened an investigation paper into a Singaporean tycoon believed to be linked to the Sabah mineral mining corruption scandal. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said he had instructed MACC Sabah to carry out a thorough investigation into the case. "We opened the investigation paper yesterday involving the Singaporean businessman. "I have directed MACC Sabah to conduct further investigations," he told a press conference after witnessing the handing over of duties between outgoing state MACC director Rosli Husain and newly appointed Azmin Yusuff, here today. Azam said the case is expected to involve a large number of witnesses, including new individuals who have not been called in earlier cases. Asked about the number of witnesses summoned in the cases involving Sabah assemblymen, Azam said: "There are too many witnesses. "I can't recall all of them, especially as each investigation paper involves different witnesses. "The latest case involving the Singaporean tycoon will require fresh witnesses, and I believe many will be called," he added. To date, three individuals have been charged in connection with the scandal, two Sabah assemblymen and businessman Albert Tei. Asked whether more individuals will be charged, Azam said that decision lies with the deputy public prosecutor. "There are others still under investigation, but I cannot make any decisions regarding charges. That is up to the prosecution," he said. It was reported yesterday that the MACC is investigating allegations that a Singaporean business tycoon may have acted as a financier in the scandal. Sources said the investigation refers to an article that has gone viral on social media, alleging that the tycoon had channelled funds to several interested parties in the matter. They said the MACC is currently examining information related to the claims and will call several witnesses soon to assist in the investigation. So far, two Sabah assemblymen and a businessman have been charged with corruption linked to the issuance of mineral prospecting licences in the state. All have claimed trial.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Ex-banker among five nabbed in RM11.2mil loan fraud probe
SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained five men for allegedly accepting bribes amounting to approximately RM300,000 from a company owner. One of the suspects is a former officer from a financial institution. The bribes were allegedly received as an inducement to approve financial loan applications using falsified supporting documents. MACC in a statement said the suspects, aged between their 20s and 40s, were arrested between 2pm and 7pm today at the MACC office in Sandakan. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are believed to have been involved in corrupt activities between 2022 and 2024, involving the approval of loans worth a total of RM11.2 million to 39 applicants. Sabah MACC director Datuk S. Karunanithy said the case will be investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 for accepting bribes as an inducement to perform acts related to official duties. He said the arrests were the result of a joint effort between MACC Sabah and the Internal Audit Unit of a local financial institution. A remand application for all suspects will be filed at the Sandakan Sessions Court tomorrow to facilitate further investigations.
