MACC searches Sivakumar's office, residence

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) conducted a search at Human Resource Minister V Sivakumar's office and residence on Sunday.

The search was done to complete investigations regarding claims of him receiving millions of ringgit as a guarantee to continue awarding government contracts to certain individuals.

The search was understood to be done in order to track the funds claimed to be obtained by Sivakumar.

Sources say the search was done by MACC at the same day Sivakumar's statement was taken.

"Sivakumar was called to MACC yesterday (Sunday) to aid investigations following the investigation on his special tasks officer and private secretary's arrest last week.

"Sivakumar's presence at the Putrajaya MACC headquarters was to explain the claims that he had received cash from a businessman who was arrested by MACC along with his senior officers.

"The businessman is believed to be performing public relations on behalf of Sivakumar and had asked for money from certain individuals running government projects in the ministry as a guarantee that they will be able to continue with the project in addition to promising additional projects," the source said.

The source added the actions done by the businessman were suspected to be within the knowledge of Sivakumar's officers whom reportedly witnessed the transaction.

"The money was suspected to have been paid in cash before it was handed over to Sivakumar," the source said.

The source explained Sivakumar was freed after his statement was recorded on Sunday.

On April 14, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed Sivakumar's private secretary was arrested.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it was MACC's prerogative to arrest and take action against Sivakumar's officers if there was a basis to.