MACC investigation into FGV to focus on six issues

(FMT) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) says it is focussing on six key issues in its investigations into alleged graft and abuse of power related to crisis-hit Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV).

Its deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki said the agency would call witnesses soon following the seizure of documents from the company’s office in Menara Felda in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“The MACC confirms that it has started investigations related to the FGV issue which involves several individuals in the organisation,” he said in a statement today.

Its officers are currently in the process of reviewing the documents that were seized during the raid for evidence, he added.

“The investigation is focused on six issues involving FGV which will all be looked into in detail to determine whether there are any elements of corruption and abuse of power before further action is taken in accordance with the provisions of the law,” said Azam.

Yesterday, the MACC deployed 40 enforcement officers led by senior officer Nazrul Sazreen to remove documents in four boxes, three drop bags and some plastic wrappings from the office.

The team was inside the building for eight hours, from 10am to 5.58pm during the operation.

On June 6, FGV president and CEO Zakaria Arshad was asked by the company’s board of directors to take leave with immediate effect to allow investigations to take place on the issue of a delayed payment by Afghan company Safitex to FGV subsidiary Delima Oil Products Sdn Bhd.

In a letter to FGV a day earlier, Zakaria had defended himself against accusations of wrongdoing related to payments involving Safitex.

“The payment process… was approved and implemented by the previous chief executive… I am not guilty of those accusations and will not resign as instructed,” he was reported to have said in the letter.

Besides Zakaria, FGV’s chief financial officer Ahmad Tifli Mohd Talha, Delima Oil Products senior general manager Kamarzaman Karim and FGV Trading CEO Ahmad Salman Omar were also asked to go on leave.

Zakaria was present yesterday at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya with some documents after he had been summoned by the agency.

“I am ready to cooperate with the MACC. I am not afraid to face this situation because I am confident I have done no wrong. Maybe there are many things that can be investigated by the MACC,” he said.