KUALA LUMPUR: There is no political motivation behind the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) arrests of Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) leaders as part of its investigation into the alleged syphoning of public funds meant for the state’s poor.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said government agencies, in particular, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, have been instructed to fully cooperate in the probe.
"There is no political (motive behind) these investigations. The MACC is just doing its job," said Zahid after delivering his opening speech at the 10th Asean Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication here.
"But on the government's part, I feel that the MACC should get to the bottom of this. Public funds meant for the people, especially the poor, should only go to their benefit," he said.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was also present, declined to comment in detail on the investigation.
"I can't comment on this, as we do not want to affect investigations. But we will furnish the MACC with all documents, if requested," he said, adding that his ministry will be issuing a statement on the matter later today.
The MACC on Tuesday night detained Warisan vice president Datuk Peter Anthony and two others over allegations of mishandling of federal funds allotted for the underprivileged in Sabah.
Also arrested was a former Rural and Regional Development Ministry deputy secretary.
A remand order for the trio is expected to be granted today.