PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied Pendang MP Awang Hashim’s allegations that the anti-graft agency had discovered RM94 million stashed at a former minister’s residence.
The MACC said it respects the right of MPs to express their views freely, but it was crucial for their statements to be based on facts to avoid confusion.
“The MACC reiterates once again that neither the commission nor the chief commissioner has made any statement regarding the discovery of the said amount at the residence of a former minister,” it said in a statement.
Earlier, Awang said the revelation was made by the MACC chief commissioner who “officially” stated that the anti-graft agency had discovered the RM94 million in cash at the former minister’s home.
Awang had called for accountability after local fashion icon Vivy Yusof and her husband, Fadzarudin Anuar, apologised and resigned from their positions in Fashion Valet Sdn Bhd following the losses incurred by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Permodalan Nasional Bhd.
Khazanah and PNB had lost RM43.9 million after selling their stake in the e-commerce platform for just RM3.1 million, having initially invested RM27 million and RM20 million respectively.
“The same goes for the case where RM94 million was reportedly found, involving a DAP ex-minister, yet we still have no information on the progress of investigations in the human resources ministry,” Awang said, without naming the purported former minister.
Several DAP MPs, at a press conference held later, challenged Awang to provide proof within 24 hours to back his allegation.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said that Awang should report the matter to the MACC and reveal the identity of the DAP MP who was allegedly discovered with the RM94 million stash.
Otherwise, Rayer said he would file a motion to have Awang referred to the rights and privileges committee.
The other MPs at the press conference were Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera), Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong) and Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar).
Rayer had accused Awang of imputing improper motives against another MP and of misleading the house under Standing Orders 36(6) and 36(12) respectively.
Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Ramli Nor earlier ruled that in the interest of ensuring the debates proceeded without further interruptions, the MPs who took issue with Awang’s remarks could file a motion to refer him to the rights and privileges committee.
