MACC has absolved Umno's Baling MP Abdul Azeez Rahim of receiving an RM3 million bribe to stop investigations into the Penang tunnel project.

"After reviewing the relevant documents which we seized, it was found that he is not involved in the matter," MACC deputy chief commission (operations) Azam Baki is quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.

Konsortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, the contractor of the company, had previously issued letters of demand to Azeez and another businessperson.

The letters had demanded Azeez return RM3 million and another businessperson to return RM19 million for failing to render their services in providing "consultancy" in the tunnel project.

The company claimed it had engaged the duo in July last year.

MACC subsequently arrested the businessperson who purportedly received the RM19 million fund. It also arrested another man who allegedly received the RM3 million.

Azeez had denied having any dealings with Zenith and threatened legal action.

Zenith subsequently withdrew its letter of demand against Azeez and apologised.

In light of this, Azam said there was no need for MACC to summon Azeez.