MACC nabs Mat Sabu’s aide over RM56 mil project, cash seized

(FMT) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained an aide of former defence minister Mohamad Sabu to assist in investigations in a bribery case related to a defence project worth RM56 million.

Magistrate Shah Wira Abdul Halim issued the remand order for six days until July 13 after hearing the application by the anti-graft agency at the court here.

A source told FMT that anti-graft officers also confiscated cash in various currencies worth RM71,729 along with documents related to the project.

The seized cash include RM20,650, S$7,293, A$695, US$606, £3,520, ‎‎€200 and 400 bahts.

The case is being investigated under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act.

It is believed that investigations will centre on allegations that the suspect had received millions of ringgit from a company, in exchange to helping to approve a defence contract through direct negotiations in August 2019.

FMT is trying to get a response from Mohamad, also known as Mat Sabu.

The Amanah president was appointed as the defence minister following Pakatan Harapan’s general election victory in 2018.