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KUALA NERUS – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will call Kedah caretaker menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for questioning over alleged corruption involving more than RM13 million and abuse of power in rare earth element (REE) mining in the state.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told Bernama here today that 12 people so far have had their statements recorded by the agency, and that they are all from Kedah Menteri Besar Inc and private companies said to be involved in REE mining.
“So far no politician has been called to give evidence,” Azam was reported saying after a MACC media programme.
He said Sanusi will also be called as he had signed a letter regarding REE mining that has gone viral on social media.
Azam said MACC first has to confirm procedures regarding approvals for REE mining.
“(Caretaker) menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor will also be called, because he is the one who signed the viral letter,” the MACC chief said.
Azam added that the agency is tracing several witnesses from China, who are said to have invested in REE mining in Kedah.
Azam also rebuffed claims that MACC’s probe into REE mining in Kedah, an opposition-led state under Perikatan Nasional, was timed to coincide with the state elections.
He said it was only a coincidence that the probe was ongoing during this period and denied that MACC was pressured.
MACC nabbed a senior MBI Kedah officer and a private company director as part of its probe into REE mining.
The private company involved is believed to have carried out illegal mining activities since 2020, and received protection from certain authorities. – The Vibes, July 20, 2023
