KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is set to summon the menteri besar of a northern state for clarification regarding the RM6 million graft case involving a football team.
MACC senior investigations director Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed this development today.
Sources within the MACC had earlier revealed an ongoing probe initiated after a contractor reported being promised state projects in exchange for channelling RM6 million into the football association’s account.
“Based on the investigation, key figures in high-ranking positions within the state government and the implicated football association assured the contractor of construction projects and services in exchange for their financial contribution,” Hishamuddin said.
“However, following the transfer of funds to the football association’s account, the promised projects were not awarded to the contractor, leading to allegations of deception by the involved parties.”
According to the source, feeling deceived, the contractor filed a report with the MACC, detailing the promised project offer made by the implicated individuals.
Last Friday, the MACC announced the remand of four individuals, including a CEO and two consultant representatives from a football association in a northern state.
They are suspected of soliciting and accepting bribes exceeding RM6 million. The funds were allegedly intended to influence the awarding of a tender for a race track construction project and a project to manage, operate, and maintain five water reservoir plants in the state.
Notably, the CEO of the Kedah Football Association (KFA), Zulkifli Che Haron, was released on MACC bail last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed yesterday that he is the real target in the corruption case involving KFA.
Sanusi, who also serves as KFA president, asserted that the arrests, including that of the KFA CEO, were fabricated and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Kedah government under his leadership. – January 9, 2024