MACC: Muhyiddin is a suspect, Zafrul also under investigation [Updated]

February 19, 2023

MACC: Muhyiddin is a suspect, Zafrul also under investigation [Updated]

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is a suspect in the Jana Wibawa project probe when he was called in to provide a statement at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

According to a MACC source, as a suspect, the Pagoh member of parliament should not make speculative comments because such matters could interfere with the anti-graft agency’s investigation.

“Investigations are also underway against several individuals including the former Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz,” said the source.

The source said Tengku Zafrul will also be called to provide a statement in the near future.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin who is the Perikatan Nasional denied that he was a suspect in the ongoing probe and that the Jana Wibawa programme was proposed by Tengku Zafrul.

The Jana Wibawa or ‘Program Jana Ekonomi Pemerkasaan Kontraktor Bumiputera Berwibawa’ was introduced to expedite project execution to spur the nation’s economic recovery post Covid-19 pandemic.

It was also aimed at improving the capacity of Bumiputera contractors in the construction sector to be more resilient and competitive.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had on Feb 15 announced the government’s decision to postpone RM5.7 billion worth of rural development projects under the Jana Wibawa scheme.

It was to review whether they were awarded in accordance with the procurement process and governance requirements set by the Treasury, he said.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul who is now the International Trade and Industry Minister said he will cooperate with the authorities pertaining to the project if summoned.

“There’s nothing to hide and I am ready to have my statement recorded if required to do so,” said the minister in a Facebook post last night.