THREE INVESTIGATION PAPERS OPENED AGAINST IJM CORPORATION - MACC

PUTRAJAYA, March 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened three investigation papers in relation to several issues involving IJM Corporation Bhd, including financial transactions and overseas investments worth approximately RM2.5 billion.

Chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the anti-graft agency is cooperating with the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO UK) in terms of information sharing, and investigations are currently ongoing at all levels.

He said MACC’s probe also focuses on an alleged bribery case involving a project, and the company’s chairman was recently called in to assist with the investigation.

“There is an additional investigation involving the issue of a tip-over shares transaction by Sunway. This is also an additional probe being conducted by the MACC.

“We are also examining whether there are elements of corruption, abuse of power, as well as governance issues in this matter, bringing the total number of investigation papers opened so far to three,” he said at a press conference here today.

On Feb 6, the media reported that a top management executive of IJM Corporation Bhd, in his 70s, was detained to assist the anti-graft agency, in investigations related to corporate governance issues, procurement processes, financial transactions, and overseas asset ownership, estimated to be worth approximately RM2.5 billion.

The MACC’s Special Operations Division (BOK) began its investigation into the suspect on Jan 19, focusing on alleged irregularities and possible breaches of relevant laws.

Following this, MACC froze 70 personal and company bank accounts linked to the case, involving approximately RM30.6 million.

Meanwhile, in another development, Azam said that the investigation papers concerning the case involving the director-general (DG) and deputy director-general of the Department of Environment (DOE), have been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP).

He said the commission has recommended charges against the DG, the deputy DG, and a former senior officer of the department.

“The decision (on charges) will be known within a week,” he said.

MACC had previously been reported to have detained the DG and deputy DG of the DOE, to assist in investigations related to the management of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste).

-- BERNAMA