KUALA LUMPUR – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor spent three hours at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya to give his statement on allegations linking Kedah Football Association (KFA) to graft amounting to more than RM6 million.
Sanusi was seen leaving the compound at 11.37am in a grey Mercedes.
The outspoken menteri besar did not stop to speak to some 20 media personnel who had been waiting outside the premises.
He arrived at MACC headquarters at 8.30am today.
Earlier, MACC said it is in the last stages of completing the investigation into graft allegations linked to KFA.
In a statement, Hishamuddin said he cannot yet reveal details to the public as it contained sensitive information.
“To complete our probe, we have called Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to present himself at the MACC headquarters this morning.”
The menteri besar had previously claimed that he was the real target in the corruption case involving KFA.
Sanusi, who also serves as KFA president, asserted that the arrests, including that of the KFA CEO, were fabricated and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Kedah government under his leadership.
On Tuesday, Hishamuddin said the anti-graft agency would summon the menteri besar of a northern state for clarification regarding the RM6 million graft case involving a football club.
Sources within the MACC had earlier revealed an ongoing probe was initiated after a contractor reported being promised state projects in exchange for channelling RM6 million into the football association’s account.
“Based on the investigation, key figures in high-ranking positions within the state government and the implicated football association assured the contractor of construction projects and services in exchange for their financial contribution,” Hishamuddin said.
“However, following the transfer of funds to the football association’s account, the promised projects were not awarded to the contractor, leading to allegations of deception by the involved parties.”
Last Friday, the MACC announced the remand of four individuals, including a CEO and two consultant representatives from a football association in a northern state.
They are suspected of soliciting and accepting bribes exceeding RM6 million. The funds were allegedly intended to influence the awarding of a tender for a race track construction project and a project to manage, operate, and maintain five water reservoir plants in the state.
Notably, KFA CEO Zulkifli Che Haron was released on MACC bail last Sunday. – January 11, 2024