MACC still probing HRD Corp on other aspects: Azam Baki

PETALING JAYA — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) still has other investigation papers open on the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp), chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said.

He was clarifying news reports on the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) latest report on HRD Corp, released today, which said MACC had cleared the agency under the Human Resources Ministry.

Azam said there were several files on the agency still open, with investigations ongoing.

“We are not sure which angle of investigation the officer quoted (was referring to). 

“Several files related to HRD Corp are still being investigated…These cases are still under investigation, and decisions by the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) are yet to be made.

“The investigation covers a variety of aspects, including procurement, investment matters, and other financial concerns. While the PAC may focus on one specific issue, other issues related to HRD Corp may still be under review” he said after attending an anti-corruption event here today.

Azam said MACC will clarify with PAC that the officer who spoke to the committee during its inquiry might have been referring to only one of the papers opened.

Along with the report’s release, PAC today in a statement said it was “bewildered” that MACC had cleared HRD Corp of any wrongdoing.

In transcripts of inquiry proceedings by PAC into the agency, MACC investigating officer Mohd Fuad Sedet was recorded saying that MACC’s investigation division opened a paper into HRD Corp but later found no offences committed under the MACC Act 2009.

He also said the investigation paper was passed on to MACC’s governance investigation department.

The transcripts also record another MACC officer Zulhairy Zaidel of the governance investigation department, saying a “governance investigation paper” had also been opened into HRD Corp.

MACC’s probe into the agency began in July, following irregularities outlined in the 2024 Auditor-General Report, which focused on corruption, abuse of power, and the misappropriation of funds.

HRD Corp was found to have invested in various high-risk investment activities, such as through a put and call option using levy funds collected from employers.

HRD Corp CEO Datuk Shahul Hameed Shaik Dawood took garden leave after MACC began its investigation, but has since returned to work. – December 9, 2024