Only one ex-PM to be summoned over RM700 mil publicity expenditure probe: Azam

Ex-PM and those in his circle will be called in for their statement to be recorded, says MACC chief

12:59 PM MYT

 

SEPANG – Only one former prime minister will be summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for investigations into the RM700 million spent to publicise previous federal governments’ success. 

According to chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the former prime minister will be called in by the anti-graft agency sometime this week or next week for his statement to be recorded. 

When questioned if the ninth prime minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, would be the one summoned, Azam merely said that an “ex-prime minister and those in his circle” would be called in to aid investigations. 

“No less than four individuals will be called,” Azam told reporters after attending the National Good Governance Symposium 2024, here, today. 

“We’re investigating how the money (RM700 million) was spent and which companies benefited from the funds,” he added. 

He also said that a number of relevant companies have been contacted to assist with investigations. 

On January 2, it was reported that MACC had initiated an investigation into the use of RM700 million for promotional purposes and media buys to publicise the achievements of two federal governments between 2020 and 2022.

A source said MACC personnel had gone to the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Department to gather information and obtain relevant documents as part of their probe.

On the same day, Scoop reported that an embezzlement and excessive spending probe is focused on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s time as prime minister.

The probe is compounded by an alleged absence of paperwork and documentation involved in the disbursement of about RM500 million for media and publicity contracts.

Investigators, Scoop learned, were looking into whether the state of emergency that came into effect on January 12, 2021, was abused to circumvent procurement processes and governance procedures.

Muhyiddin was prime minister from February 29, 2020, to August 16, 2021. He was succeeded by Ismail Sabri, who led the country from August 21, 2021, to November 24, 2022.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took over the reins on November 24, 2022, with the formation of the current unity government. – January 8, 2024

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