Former Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has denied any involvement in corruption allegations linked to the relocation of three elephants to Japan, stating that he has no connection to the matter and leaving it to the authorities to investigate if necessary.
Speaking at the Jelajah Parti Bersama Malaysia programme at Pantai Cahaya Bulan on Saturday, he said the claims raised against him were not related to his role or actions.
He added that he was prepared for the matter to be investigated, stressing that it was the right of the relevant authorities to do so.
When asked whether he welcomed an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Nik Nazmi replied briefly, referring back to his previous statements.
“Yes, I have already said this before,” he said.
The issue arose following allegations by a wildlife rights group, which claimed there were questionable payments linked to the relocation of three elephants — Dara, Amoi and Kelat — to a zoo in Osaka, Japan.
The group alleged that certain payments connected to the transfer were not channelled to the government and reportedly involved transactions amounting to RM53 million.
Nik Nazmi has previously denied any involvement in the matter, stating that neither he nor his former office had any role in the alleged transactions.
He also clarified that the final approval for the elephant relocation was made after he had already stepped down from his ministerial position in July last year.
