KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian sporting community has been gripped by speculation following the arrest of a federal statutory body’s chief executive over an alleged RM1 million bribery plot linked to the construction of a squash court.
The suspect, a man in his 40s, was detained last night by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at a shopping mall in Bukit Jalil. Since the news broke, industry players and observers have been attempting to establish the identity of the high-ranking official, and the contractor involved in the deal.
According to national news agency, Bernama, the CEO allegedly demanded the seven-figure sum in exchange for approving payment claims. It is understood that a suspected RM500,000 “advance” was paid prior to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, with the arrest eventually triggered when the suspect allegedly received a further RM100,000 in cash.
The case has raised questions about transparency within federal bodies, particularly as it remains unclear if the construction project is tied to any upcoming major multi-sporting events.
The MACC is expected to seek a remand order today as they work to uncover the full extent of the relationship between the statutory body and the contractor.
