Macc Freezes Over Rm39m In Ex Senior Minister Two Tan Sri Probe

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The MACC has frozen more than RM39 million in bank accounts, including those belonging to a former senior minister, two businesspersons with the title 'Tan Sri' and their family members.
This follows an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of national funds amounting to RM2.3 billion.
According to Bernama, MACC said it involved 192 bank accounts, including 35 company accounts and 157 individual accounts.
The commission said it has also recorded the statements of the two individuals with the title of ‘Tan Sri’, in addition to conducting searches at the residences and related premises involving a former senior minister and a businessperson on Wednesday.
All of them have been served notices in accordance with Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 44 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001, MACC added.
“Several documents related to the case have also been obtained," said MACC, adding that currently, it is actively obtaining further information related to the case.
Called for questioning
On May 19, it was first reported that a former senior minister and a prominent businessperson with the title of ‘Tan Sri’ were being investigated by the MACC.
Malaysiakini identified that former senior minister Daim Zainuddin and businessperson Halim Saad were the two high-profile individuals called in for questioning.
Former senior minister Daim Zainuddin and businessperson Halim SaadDaim, 85, had helmed the finance portfolio twice during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first tenure as prime minister.
He had also served as the chairperson of the Council of Eminent Persons when Mahathir became prime minister again after leading Pakatan Harapan to victory in the 2018 general election.
Halim, however, denied media reports that he was being investigated over the alleged transaction involved in the purchase of a 32.6 percent stake or 722.9 million shares in Renong Bhd by United Engineers (M) Bhd (UEM) for RM2.3 billion in November 1997.
It remains unclear who the other “Tan Sri” mentioned in the latest Bernama report is.
Bernama had quoted a source stating that the investigation is a continuation and extension of the disclosure of confidential documents by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists regarding suspected transactions in several offshore financial centres.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, when contacted, reportedly confirmed the matter and said the investigation is focused on Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 regarding the offence of misuse of power to obtain bribes and the offence of money laundering under Section 4 (1) of AMLATFPUAA 2001. - Mkini

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