KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has been detained to assist the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigations over mishandling of federal funds.
The former Rural and Regional Development (KKLW) Minister was detained at 9pm after he turned up at the commission's office at the state Federal Administrative Complex, here.
MACC deputy commissioner (operation) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed this without elaborating further.
Shafie is expected to be remanded tomorrow together with another Warisan member, a local engineer, who a source with the MACC said was detained at 2.45pm.
Clad in a white button-down shirt, the Semporna member of parliament had earlier arrived at the complex at 5.15pm.
He was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib, Warisan vice-president Peter Anthony, Warisan secretary-general Loretto Padua Jr, and counsel Martin Tommy.
Also present were Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking, Warisan Wira chief Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman and party members.
Shafie was the 11th individual detained by graftbusters after giving his statement to facilitate MACC ongoing probe over mishandling of federal government funds under the KKLW.
The allocation was meant for rural development projects in the state between 2009 and 2015, during when Shafie was the minister.
The probe revolves around 70 projects pertaining roads as well as water and electricity supply in the Sabah interior.
When asked how he was feeling, Shafie when met at MACC office smiled and said: “Well, we will assist (in the investigation)”.
On whether he was ready to be quizzed, Shafie’s wife responded by saying: “Of course he is ready”.
Shafie arrived in the state capital from Kuala Lumpur at about 3.30pm. He was welcomed by a horde of Warisan members at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Speaking to reporters at a family residence at Taman Golf View here earlier, Shafie noted the commision was doing its job and he would provide the neccesary assistant as required by the law.
"So rest assured, I'm going to give my full support to MACC to get what they actually wanted to investigate.
"What's important, we are not going to obstruct any law. I know they (graftbusters) are just doing their job," he said.
Last week, Warisan vice-president Junz Wong had said deputy president Darell Leiking would lead the party's administration in Shafie’s absence.
Since Oct 5, MACC has so far remanded nine individuals, including Warisan and Umno leaders, in Sabah and former deputy undersecretary (infrastructure) of KKLW, Norhartaty Rahmat, in Putrajaya.
Among those remanded in Sabah were Shafie's two younger brothers - Silam Umno chief cum Lahad Datu assemblyman Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal and businessman Hamid Apdal.
"Whatever it is, they have their ways and means in doing things. I know thr MACC will do their work, but I hope it will be done properly," he added.
Others who were remanded include Hamid's son-in-law Manzur Hussein Alam Khan; Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony; Warisan Youth chief Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman; Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar; Tawau Umno Youth chief Ariffin Kassim; and a local businessman Yu Sin Kong.
Yusof is still under remand until Saturday while others have been realeased on MACC bail.