KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday arrested three more politicians to assist in the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of RM1.5 billion from a Rural and Regional Development Ministry allocation meant for development projects in Sabah.
They were Warisan Youth chief Datuk Aziz Jamman, 43, Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar, 43 and Tawau Umno Youth chief Ariffin Kassim, 44.
Aziz was detained at 5pm Monday at the Sabah MACC headquarters in Kota Kinabalu after he was questioned by three investigators. Jamawi and Ariffin Kassim were detained at the Sabah MACC headquarters and Tawau office respectively.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests but declined to elaborate.
Azis had earlier yesterday morning presented himself at the MACC Sabah Prevention Sector’s office at Wisma 1Sulaman for questioning into the alleged misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah.
Warisan secretary general Loretto Padua Jr in a statement also confirmed Azis’ detention by MACC.
“Application for remand is tomorrow (today) at the Magistrate’s Court,” Loretto disclosed.
Azis, accompanied by his lawyer Norazmi Alimat, family members and party supporters arrived at the MACC Sabah Prevention Sector’s office at Wisma 1Sulaman about 10am. He was seen hugging his relatives and posing for some photographs with his supporters before walking into the building at 10.30am.
He was not seen thereafter and only at 4.45 pm did Norazmi speak to the media informing them that Azis was no longer in the building.
“I went inside to find out the latest development and was informed that my client and the investigating officer(s) were no longer in the building,” he said.
About an hour later, he contacted the media to inform them that he had spoken to Azis and the latter had informed him that he was with MACC officers.
“Azis also confirmed that he was detained about 5 pm,” said Norazmi.
MACC has arrested three people, including Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony, who is a close ally of party president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Peter and a 52-year-old businessman have been remanded for five days to assist investigation into the alleged siphoning of funds meant for rural projects in Sabah. Their remand expires today.
A 40-year-old former deputy under secretary (infrastructure) from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was also detained in Putrajaya over the case and remanded for six days until October 11.
MACC is investigating how RM1.5 billion was siphoned from a total of RM7.5 billion funds allocated for rural projects in Sabah over the past six years.
Its deputy chief commissioner (operations), Datuk Azam Baki, said they were investigating some 60 companies that were awarded projects for the supply of water, electricity and roads to help people in rural Sabah.