Op Sky: MACC To Record Statements Of Three Celebrities Tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will record statements from three celebrities, including a well-known singer, tomorrow as part of its Op Sky investigation into corruption and money laundering involving a financial consulting company.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the three individuals are expected to appear at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10 am.
"I would like to clarify that these three individuals are only being called to provide statements to assist in further investigations related to Op Sky.
"This does not mean they are considered suspects. Their statements are needed to complete the investigation papers," he said when contacted today.
Previously, Azam was reported as saying that investigations found that celebrities and artistes had received payments of up to RM400,000 over one to two years as ambassadors of the company for promotional purposes.
Through its Op Sky, MACC recently uncovered corruption and money laundering activities involving a financial consulting company and bank officers from several financial institutions.
A total of 12 individuals were arrested in raids conducted by MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering Division in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) at 24 locations, including residences and offices around the Klang Valley, last Monday.
So far, 27 individuals have been arrested, comprising 18 bank officers, eight employees of the financial consulting company and one civilian. All of them have been released from remand on MACC bail.
During the operation, MACC seized about 4,000 documents, while 98 bank accounts, valued at more than RM17 million, have been frozen.
On another matter, Azam said it is too early for MACC to open an investigation paper regarding allegations of misconduct involving a Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) advisory board member linked to the awarding of a RM4 million project.
He said MACC is receiving good cooperation from DBKL, which has agreed to share documents related to the project award.
"I discussed this with Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif yesterday (Feb 4), and she has agreed to share the relevant documents with us.
"My investigators will analyse the documents to determine whether there are any irregularities that warrant opening an investigation paper," he said.
He added that MACC does not want to rush into the matter, as the allegations were made on social media.
Claims of misconduct involving the advisory board member began circulating on social media last week, alleging a breach of governance processes in the awarding of a RM4 million creative content production project for DBKL, which was reportedly not granted through an open tender.
-- BERNAMA
