A former minister in his 60s was brought to the magistrate’s court here today for a remand application linked to a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into issues highlighted in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Lembaga Tabung Haji.
The man arrived at the court complex at about 10.26am, wearing the orange lock-up attire and accompanied by MACC officers.
He was arrested at around 4.30pm yesterday after turning up at the MACC headquarters to have his statement recorded. The investigation centres on the leasing of hotels in Saudi Arabia.
The former minister’s arrest comes as authorities continue probing matters raised in the RCI report, with the investigation focused on whether any offences were committed in connection with the transactions.
The case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to the soliciting or receiving of gratification as an inducement or reward in a transaction.
Under Section 24 of the same Act, anyone convicted of the offence can face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
A fine may also be imposed, amounting to at least five times the value of the gratification involved, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The remand application will allow investigators to continue gathering evidence and recording statements as the probe into the hotel leasing matter progresses.
