MACC has secured seven-day remand orders against a former Tabung Haji chairman and former Treasury secretary-general over a probe linked to the RCI report.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained seven-day remand orders against a former Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) chairman and a former Treasury secretary-general as investigations into the pilgrimage fund widen.
Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah granted the remand orders, which are effective until Sept 2, at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court following an application by the MACC.
Both men, who are in their 60s and hold the titles Datuk Seri and Tan Sri respectively, arrived at the court complex at about 9.30am today dressed in orange lock-up attire and handcuffed, escorted by MACC officers.
A former TH chief executive officer, who is already being held in connection with the same investigation, was also seen at the court complex.
The MACC separately secured a four-day extension to the former CEO’s remand, keeping him in custody until Aug 31. He had initially been remanded from Aug 21 to 27.
The former CEO, also in his 60s, is understood to be among several individuals being investigated over matters highlighted in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into TH.
It was reported on Wednesday that the former TH chairman, who is also a politician, had been detained by the MACC to assist investigations arising from the RCI report.
A former Treasury secretary-general at the Finance Ministry was also detained in connection with the same investigation.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman confirmed the arrests when contacted, saying both men were being investigated by the commission.
The latest remand orders come as the probe, which began shortly after the RCI report was released on July 29, continues to expand.
The report reportedly recommended a forensic audit of past investment decisions that resulted in significant asset impairment and highlighted several suspicious transactions involving the fund.
A day after the report was released, the MACC announced that it had formed a special team to scrutinise its findings for possible offences involving corruption, misappropriation, forgery, abuse of power and money laundering.
The commission had previously detained seven individuals, including four former senior TH management figures, in connection with the investigation.
Separately, Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department said police had recorded statements from 127 people and opened five investigation papers related to the RCI findings.
More witnesses, including individuals based overseas, are expected to be called as investigations continue.
