Investigation papers on ex-army chief case to be completed by Monday - Azam Baki

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Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki shows items seized under Op Star during a press conference at the MACC headquarters here today. Photo by Bernama

He also confirmed that the MACC would recommend that two individuals be charged in the case.

PUTRAJAYA - Investigation papers in the alleged corruption case involving a former army chief are expected to be completed by Monday at the latest, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Azam said he had instructed investigating officers to expedite the completion of the investigation papers in the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread public and media attention.

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"I have instructed that the investigation papers be completed by Monday next week and then submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (for further action),” he told a special press conference here today.

According to Azam, once the investigation paper was submitted, the prosecutor would examine all evidence, including financial transactions, witness statements and intelligence findings linked to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) procurement issue.

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He also confirmed that the MACC would recommend that two individuals be charged in the case.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki shows items seized under Op Star during a press conference at the MACC headquarters here today. Photo by Bernama

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Azam said the investigation involving the former army chief had now entered its final phase after two weeks of intensive work, during which 23 individuals had been arrested and 22 investigation papers relating to corruption offences had been opened.

According to him, one investigation paper had also been opened under the anti-money laundering act and 30 witnesses had had their statements recorded so far.

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He added that the case was being investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for the offences of accepting bribes and abusing power by public servants, as well as Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

Azam said that one of the key challenges in the investigation was tracing financial transactions that had only been partially reported by the complainant.

"In corruption cases, we must establish who gave the money. That is what we are working on. For that, the MACC had to obtain bank documents and seek help from Bank Negara and the banks involved,” he said.

The case, linked to a procurement issue in the MAF, saw 27 contractors detained to assist in the investigation before being released after their statements were recorded.

Azam said his officers conducted intensive intelligence work, enabling them to trace the assets and items in the case within just two weeks.

He said the total value of the seizure was estimated at RM11.4 million, while 75 company accounts, totalling RM32.5 million, had been frozen.

The seized items included RM4.4 million in cash, RM1.4 million in foreign currency, a Range Rover SVR worth RM360,000, and 26 luxury watches valued at RM2.3 million.

Also seized were jewellery worth RM294,039, two diamond rings valued at RM20,000, gold bars weighing 3.7kg worth RM2.5 million, a 150g gold medallion and two gold dinars weighing 8.5g worth RM5,780.

According to Azam, the assets were seized from a residence in Kuala Lumpur and a house in Besut, Terengganu.

He said that the operation, codenamed Op Parasit, was launched on Dec 23, 2025, against the former army chief, in connection with suspicious money transfers to several accounts totalling between RM40,000 and hundreds of thousands of ringgit.

Azam said the investigation into the case was initiated proactively based on information channelled by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) following a report lodged at the Dang Wangi police station.

On Jan 7, the former army chief and his two wives were arrested by the MACC in connection with an investigation into a corruption case involving the procurement of army projects.

He was remanded for seven days, while his two wives were remanded for three and six days respectively to assist in the investigation. The former army chief was released from remand on Jan 12. - BERNAMA