Sanusi: MACC hasn’t called me over rare earth probe

Caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said he has not been summoned by the MACC over its investigation on misappropriation and abuse of power in the mining of rare earth elements (REE).

In a Facebook post today, Sanusi questioned how news claiming he was being probed had made rounds “preceding the process”.

“So far, no MACC officers have come to meet or summon me over its investigation into the REE mining case. None.

“But rumours and news about it have been spreading since two to three days ago... isn’t this strange and suspicious? Are they trying to seek the truth and uphold the law or smear one’s image?

“I feel that their real intention is to ruin (my) credibility to gain advantage for the state elections,” he alleged.

Yesterday, an MACC source said the issue of illegal mining and loss of REE revenue was reported by several NGOs including Gerakan Anti-Sanusi (GAS) in March and several residents in Bukit Enggang, Sik, where large-scale illegal mining was carried out before it was busted by the authorities.

It is learnt that Kedah MACC had opened an investigation paper regarding the issue of illegal REE mining early this year and had called several witnesses, but the latest development of the investigation paper is not known.

However, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed that several investigation papers have been opened under Section 17(A) and Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

Ahmad declined to comment further when asked if the MACC would summon the menteri besar involved in the near future.

On Saturday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail alleged that Sanusi was fined RM500,000 last year over REE theft in Kampung Chong, Sik, Kedah.

In response, Sanusi firmly denied the claim, adding neither he nor Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) was issued the fine, but rather a third party.

Sanusi also said that he will take legal action against Saifuddin over the allegations.

According to New Straits Times, Sanusi said the person slapped with the fine was a man from Kuala Krai, Kelantan.

He was reported to have shown the media supporting documents related to the case.

However, Saifuddin stood his ground and stated that none of the parties involved can deny that the Kedah Land and Mines Office director issued a fine to MBI Kedah.

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