MACC records statements from Bersatu leaders, contractors

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded the statements of several leaders of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in connection with the economic stimulus package funds spent by the previous government.

A source said many individuals were summoned in relation to the case for their statements to be recorded, but declined to reveal the names of the people.

“So far, more than 15 individuals have given their statements in connection with Bersatu party leaders as well as contractors who are believed to have given money to the parties involved.

“The investigation is still ongoing and there are still some individuals and witnesses who will be called,” he told Sinar today.

The source added that MACC did not rule out the possibility of calling other individuals to aid the investigation.

The case was investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) Act 2001.

It is understood that the freeze was made to investigate allegations that Bersatu received donations from about 10 contractors who received various projects while the party was in government.

The total donation was believed to have been more than RM300 million.

The balance in the two Bersatu bank accounts is currently at about RM40 million.

On Wednesday, MACC confirmed that the commission had freeze Bersatu’s account to assist in the investigation into the suspected illegal proceeds.

Prior to that, Bersatu’s Supreme Leadership Council (MPT) member Dr Muhammad Faiz Na’aman believed the freezing of the account was related to the MACC’s investigation into RM92.5 billion of government funds allegedly misappropriated by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government when implementing various follow-up stimulus packages the Covid-19 pandemic.

In December last year, MACC received details from the Finance Ministry regarding the economic stimulus package funds spent by the previous government in 2020 and 2021 related to the management of Covid-19.

The results of the initial investigation found that the amount of allocation involved was estimated at RM530 billion.

Based on that amount, RM92.5 billion involved government funds while RM437.5 billion was not from the government

Thus, the focus of the MACC investigation was directed at the RM92.5 billion government funds involved.