Kedah MB claims RM13m sent to Canadian account during Mukhriz's time
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has alleged that RM13 million from a state-owned firm was moved overseas during his predecessor Mukhriz Mahathir’s time.
In response, Mukhriz challenged Sanusi to issue an official statement detailing his claim and to lodge a police report.
The Jitra assemblyperson also claimed no knowledge of the supposed fund...
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has alleged that RM13 million from a state-owned firm was moved overseas during his predecessor Mukhriz Mahathir’s time.
In response, Mukhriz challenged Sanusi to issue an official statement detailing his claim and to lodge a police report.
The Jitra assemblyperson also claimed no knowledge of the supposed fund transfer.
According to Sinar Harian, Sanusi (above, right) claimed he had proof that RM13 million from Menteri Besar Kedah Incorporated (MBI) had been moved to a Canadian bank account.
He made the allegation yesterday during a virtual press conference held after the Kedah legislative assembly session.
“During (today’s) state legislative assembly session, Mukhriz spoke about bringing up old matters. I did not feel like bringing up old matters. But he raised an issue, so now I am giving an answer.
“There is an old matter about a transfer of MBI funds amounting to RM13 million to an account in Canada.
“I have never mentioned this to anyone. I am only mentioning it today and I am keeping the bank transfer slip,” Sanusi reportedly said.
According to the report, Sanusi did not reveal who transferred the money, when it happened, the purpose of the transfer or whether he had reported the matter to the authorities.
Set up in 1988, MBI is owned by the state government and controlled by the sitting MB.
According to its website, it has interests in the mining, property development, telecommunications and energy sectors.
Mukhriz had two stints as Kedah MB, the first from May 2013 to February 2016 and the second from May 2018 to May 2020.
In a separate issue, Utusan Malaysia reported additional comments from Sanusi criticising Mukhriz’s former advisor and alluding to mismanagement of funds.
He did not name the advisor mentioned.
“When I came into government, it was raised in an exco (executive council) meeting to pay for an expense that was made by the then MB’s advisor to supply kuih raya (Raya dessert).
“I found that the price of the bag for the kuih raya was more expensive than the kuih itself. We had to pay up to RM1.3 million.
“I say he (Mukhriz) was in fact not surrounded by penasihat (advisors) but they were punah-sihat (bad advisors)," Sanusi was quoted as saying.
“That was why we had to pay RM1.3 million where the bag was more expensive than the kuih,” he added.
Mukhriz wants official statements
Responding to Sanusi’s allegation, the Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) president told Sinar Harian that this was the first time he had heard of the RM13 million transfer.
“We hope to get an official statement. There is no need to hurl accusations or propaganda just like that, like a hit-and-run.
“This is the first time I have heard this when the journalist raised a question about this.
“I also do not know about this one other issue that was raised. I am awaiting an official statement about both these allegations before making additional statements,” Mukhriz reportedly said.
The Vibes reported Mukhriz suggesting Sanusi lodge a police report about the latter's allegations.
“This is the first time I’m hearing about this incident. So, I would like to suggest Sanusi file a police report if he really believes that this happened.
“In today’s assembly session, he was reprimanded for making controversial statements. So, in making such a statement during a press conference, it is a serious allegation,” he was quoted as saying.
Reveal details
Meanwhile, a Kedah PKR Youth leader urged Sanusi to be more forthcoming with the details of his allegations.
The state wing’s deputy chief Aizuddin Ariffin similarly urged the MB to lodge police and MACC reports.
“I urge the MB to reveal the details of his allegations about the RM13 million MBI Kedah transaction to the Kedah people. These details need to be proven by the MB to avoid any speculation.
“The Kedah people want to know what was the reason for the transaction. Whom was it made to? Was it a company or individual? And who should be held accountable?” he asked.
Aizuddin also demanded details for the RM1.3 million kuih raya allegation.
“If these cases appear credible, I also urge Sanusi to lodge a police report and call the MACC to conduct an investigation.
"This is not about old matters or new matters, but a matter of integrity and transparency,” he added.
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