SHAFIE Apdal has been called in for questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the alleged embezzlement of RM1.5 billion of federal funds meant for Sabah, anti-graft and party sources said.
The Party Warisan Sabah president, who is currently in Kuala Lumpur, is expected to arrive in Kota Kinabalu this afternoon before presenting himself to the Sabah MACC.
Party sources told The Malaysian Insight that Shafie has been called in and will be met on arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International airport by Warisan members.
In earlier interviews, Shafie said he had already anticipated he would be called in by the MACC over the ongoing probe into the alleged embezzlement of RM1.5 billion of federal funds meant for Sabah rural projects between 2009 and 2015.
Shafie was rural and regional development minister during that period and the funds were channelled through his ministry for the projects in Sabah.
Two of Shafie’s brothers – Hamid and Yusof – were earlier remanded by the MACC over the same investigations.
In an interview with The Malaysian Insight last week, Shafie had said he had anticipated efforts to derail his political goals the moment he formed Warisan, describing the MACC probe as “selective prosecution” and politically motivated.
“I know the MACC is being used as a tool of the government,” he said.
Shafie also expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the probe was being carried out, saying the MACC was beating around the bush by going after his friends and relatives.
However, MACC Commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad said their investigation was “beyond politics”, stressing it was about alleged corruption and abuse of power.
“Look at who we have arrested. We have detained not only Warisan members, but also Umno members. Our investigation is based on evidence, not political parties. This is beyond politics,” the MACC chief had said.
The commission is investigating some 350 rural projects involving water and electricity supply, as well as roads awarded by the ministry to some 60 companies between 2009 and 2015.
The commission had already questioned 45 people in the course of their investigation.
Those detained thus far are Warisan vice-president Peter Anthony, Warisan Youth leader Azis Jamman, Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar, Tawau Umno youth chief Ariffin Kassim, a senior officer from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, a 54-year-old businessman, Shafie’s two younger brothers and Hamid’s 33-year-old businessman son-in-law Manzur Hussein Awal Khan.
Yusof, who is also Silam Umno branch chief and Lahad Datu assemblyman, was remanded yesterday, while Hamid was released earlier today after serving nine days in remand.
He was granted RM50,000 bail with two sureties. Six others have also been released on bail. – October 19, 2017.
Sources from : https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/19139/