KUALA LUMPUR – The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, has confirmed that investigations are ongoing into a former deputy minister and her husband regarding allegations of their involvement in organised crime activities based in Myanmar.
Speaking at a press conference at the Kelantan police headquarters today, Razarudin disclosed that the police had recorded statements from both the politician and her husband last month.
“We have investigated the matter, and for now, our investigations are still ongoing. Additionally, we’re looking for witnesses involved (in the alleged crimes).
“Police are also trying to secure an article published by Myanmar (quarters),” the nation’s top cop said, believed to be referring to a May report by Burmese activist group Justice for Myanmar, which detailed the involvement of Malaysian figures in a Myawaddy-based scam park.
Previously, Scoop reported on Malaysia’s apparent ties with Dongmei Zone, a heavily guarded site said to be rife with criminal activities, illicit drugs, and brothels allegedly linked with prominent Malaysian figures as investors.
It is believed that Malaysia’s involvement in the project may be through Grand Commerce Network Sdn Bhd, a decade-old company jointly owned by former deputy religious minister Datuk Mashitah Ibrahim and her husband, Datuk Abdul Shakor Abu Bakar, a former diplomatic officer.
According to details surrounding a March 2020 event at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, which hosted a launch event and investor appreciation night for the Saixigang Industrial Park – Dongmei Zone’s former name – Mashitah and Shakor were the sole directors and shareholders of Grand Commerce Network, with an 85% and 15% stake, respectively, as revealed by Companies Commission documents sighted by Scoop.
Photos from Mashitah’s Facebook post of the event show her and her husband standing alongside convicted Macau mob boss Wan Kuok-koi, also known as Broken Tooth, as well as former Malaysian fugitive Nicky Liow, who was charged with 26 counts of money laundering in April 2022.
Another Facebook post by Mashitah in February 2020 included a picture and video of Shakor delivering a speech at an event in Myanmar, understood to be the foundation-laying ceremony for Dongmei Zone, where armed militia members provided security.
In its report, Justice for Myanmar considered the presence of armed militia, identified as Karen National Army soldiers, at the event as evidence of the militia’s involvement in the zone.
When contacted earlier by Scoop, Mashitah denied any involvement with Dongmei Zone, stating that there was no need to address the media further, as she had already provided her statement to the police. – August 29, 2024