(Malaysian Digest) - he probe into an alleged corruption scandal involving Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Azmin Ali (pic) has shifted into high gear, with the investigation papers already handed over to the Attorney-General’s (AG) Chambers.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation director Datuk Mustafar Ali said they have wrapped up their probe into the issue, and have taken the next step.
“We have already forwarded the case to the AG for further action,” he told reporters after a press conference at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) in Jalan Duta today.
However, he remained non-committal when asked on whether MACC has uncovered new evidence pertaining to the case.
On June 1, it was reported that MACC had re-opened their investigation into Azmin, who was alleged to have acquired assets beyond his means.
This is said to have taken place when he was a civil servant between 1995 to 1997during his time as the private secretary to Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he was the deputy prime minister.
The files that had the details were allegedly in the hands of blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, which purportedly showed various shares, property and vehicle transactions worth millions of ringgit.
It was alleged that the shares, houses and car totaled about RM1.5 million, almost RM10 million in cash and cheques flowed through Azmin’s and Shamsidar Taharin’s (Azmin’s wife) bank account, all of which were confirmed and certified by the banks.
It was also alleged that among other properties included were a BMW 325i, a Proton Wira 1.6 Xli, a Proton Satria 1.6 Xli, a Proton Perdana 2.0 SE, 1,000 lots of Hicom shares and an 8,500 sq ft house at No 23, Jalan 1/4D Bukit Mas, Taman Melawati valued at RM210,000.
It was also claimed that Azmin owned a double-story bungalow in Setapak priced at RM284,118 with a deposit of RM14,181 and a monthly installment of RM3,3760.75.
The initial investigation was filed in 2009, but dropped due to lack of legal provisions.
Earlier today, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim had chaired the 8th bilateral meeting between MACC and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Brunei, at the MACC headquarters.
The meeting was held to reach an agreement in cooperation in preventing corruption between Malaysia and Brunei, allowing the officers involved to assist one another through networking.
The AG’s Chamber has announced an agreement on the amendment of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matter Act (MACMA), which allows professional and fast process in investigations using Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in cases that are brought to court.
ACB was represented by its director Juanda Rashid. Also present were MACC deputy commissioner Datuk Shukri Abdull and deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Sutinah Sutan.
