PUTRAJAYA — At least two Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) officers are expected to be charged in court next week in connection with a corruption case involving a procurement tender cartel linked to the Royal Malaysian Army.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said several investigation papers on the case will be finalised and referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) this Monday for further instructions regarding charges.
“The investigation is ongoing, and I have instructed our officers to expedite it. Several investigation papers are expected to be completed by next Monday, and we will submit them to the DPP for further direction, with recommendations to charge one or two individuals,” he said during a press conference at the MACC here today.
Azam added that MACC has opened investigations involving 23 individuals with 22 predicate offences.
“We have also opened a separate investigation into money laundering under Section 17(a) and Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, as well as Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).
“So far, statements have been recorded from 30 witnesses over a two-week period as part of the investigation under Operation Parasit,” he said.
Azam noted that while the investigation began with limited information on financial transactions, a challenge given strict banking procedures, cooperation from Bank Negara Malaysia and financial institutions helped accelerate the collection of key documents.
“Further investigations revealed that the case involves procurement issues, including identifying the contracts and the payers, with 27 contractors detained to assist in the probe before all were released.
“Through MACC’s investigation and intelligence work, we successfully located assets and evidence within two weeks, a proud achievement reflecting the dedication and commitment of my officers who have been investigating this since the end of last year,” he said.
Earlier media reports stated that the former Chief of Army (PTD) had been released from remand at 6.30pm on Monday, while his two wives were also freed after completing their remand period.
On Dec 23 last year, MACC officers visited the Defence Ministry to investigate projects implemented via open tender procurement and under the Army’s Responsibility Centre. On Dec 24, three individuals were summoned for statements regarding the case.