KUALA LUMPUR: One of the suspects in the Mara Incorporated Sdn Bhd property purchase scandal is likely in Sabah at the moment.
In an interview with MACC.fm yesterday, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the deputy public prosecutor had agreed in principle to charge several individuals involved in the scandal.
"However, one of the individuals is probably residing in Sabah and could be under quarantine.
"Therefore, we need to wait and arrange for the right time to go ahead with this," he said.
The Mara Inc property purchase scandal came to light in 2015 when two Australian newspapers reported that the price of Dudley International House, was deliberately inflated by AU$4.75 millions.
The newspapers also reported that millions of government funds were siphoned to purchase the student accommodation facility.
Azam also assured that MACC would handle the case impartially and would not protect any parties involved in the scandal.
Azam also said MACC was wrapping up investigations on several other cases, including the recent arrest of a former principal assistant secretary regarding mismanagement of a government tender.
"The suspect is believed to have received RM85,000 in cash from the companies.
"He also allegedly demanded between seven and 10 per cent share from the company's profit to award the tender."
On Oct 6, Bernama reported that a 42-year-old man, who is a director at a training centre, was arrested by MACC for taking bribes to award the tender to supply fertiliser to a federal ministry.
Azam said such fund leakages would force the project cost to increase, or compel companies to reduce the quality of the fertiliser supply.
"I have heard that some government officers have criticised MACC for being vocal on this case.
"My intention is not to defame anyone, I am only stating the facts. Cases of fund leakage have been increasing since 2015 and this must stop," he said.
Quoting a source, Bernama also reported that RM118 million worth of tender have been awarded to three companies belonging to the same individual from 2019 to 2020.