KUALA LUMPUR — Allegations of a lavish lifestyle marked by RM5 million in cash and a Lamborghini have raised red flags in an ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation involving a former minister.
The MACC has recorded the statement of the former minister, who is suspected of receiving bribes connected to billboard projects and land matters in Kuala Lumpur.
Sources said the suspected cash payments, amounting to about RM5 million, were allegedly received from a property development company, while the luxury Lamborghini was believed to have been provided by a billboard advertising firm.
According to the sources, the former minister presented himself at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Monday, where investigators are now focusing on tracing the source of funds used to acquire the luxury vehicle.
“The investigation is examining whether the assets received are disproportionate to lawful income and whether they constitute gratification under the law,” a source familiar with the probe said.
In a related development, preliminary investigations into the land component of the case found that parcels of land previously gazetted for the construction of a surau were allegedly transferred to a proxy company, raising further concerns over abuse of authority and the concealment of beneficial ownership.
To date, statements have been recorded from 16 witnesses, including government officials and company owners, as part of efforts to establish the flow of money, assets and decision-making processes linked to the alleged offences.
Meanwhile, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that an investigation paper has been opened under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to the acceptance of gratification.
However, he said no assets have been seized and no bank accounts frozen so far, as investigations are still ongoing.
The case has renewed public debate over unexplained wealth and luxury assets as warning signs of corruption, particularly when linked to public office holders, with calls for stronger scrutiny of asset declarations and lifestyle transparency among those entrusted with power. – December 29, 2025