KUCHING: The fate of a minister's political secretary in Sarawak United Peoples’ Party will depend on the outcome of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe into his alleged involvement in a graft case.
SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said he viewed the matter seriously and assured that the party would not tolerate members caught in corruption-related offences.
“We welcome the move by MACC to conduct an investigation into the case.
“Having that said, the party stands firmly against corruption.
“We will not cover up anyone who misused public funds or abused their powers, be it in the party or the state cabinet," said Dr Sim, who is also the State Housing and Local Government Minister.
He was commenting on the arrest of the political secretary to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot over alleged misappropriation of funds that were channeled into the Skill Development Fund Corporation.
The 61-year-old man, who is also a party member of the Serian division SUPP, was arrested when he arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to have his statement recorded this morning.
“Whether he is involved in corruption or otherwise, let the MACC to carry out their probe thoroughly.
“Action must be taken once found guilty," Dr Sim added.
It was learnt that prior to the arrest, a flying squad from the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya joined by their counterpart in Sarawak, also raided the man’s office in Serian division recently.
Sources involved with the raiding team also said the graftbusters also seized several documents to facilitate investigation into the case.
Details of the documents, however, were not made known.
“We have collected evidence needed for our probe into the case.” the sources said.