Report: MACC probes case involving minister’s spouse

The MACC is reportedly investigating a project involving a minister’s husband after receiving several complaints and new leads on the matter.

The Bernama report yesterday did not name the people or specify the project involved, but instead said it is a proof of concept for a transport project by the Selangor government.

This likely refers to the Selangor government’s appointment for Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd (Asia Mobiliti) to be one of two companies to run a bus-on-demand pilot project for nine months.

The company’s owner and CEO Ramachandran Muniandy is Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s husband.

“The complaints and information had led to new leads to be looked into. Therefore, investigations will continue to verify the authenticity of the information received.

“This includes looking into the possibility of abuse of power and non-compliance of treasury directives in the appointment of the said company by the Selangor government,” the report quotes an anonymous MACC source as saying.

Another Asia Mobiliti co-founder, Premesh Chandran is director and former CEO of Malaysiakini.

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Meanwhile, the Bernama report also quotes MACC deputy commissioner (Operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahayat confirming that the agency has received new leads and information about the case.

“The public is advised not to speculate or have public discussions on the issue and instead to allow the MACC to conduct its investigations,” he was quoted as saying.

Previously, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki had reportedly said he had no issues with the appointment as it was made by a different entity - the Selangor state government - and not by Yeoh’s ministry.

Nevertheless, he assured that there would be an investigation if a new lead emerged later on.

Azam’s comments came after politicians from Bersatu, MCA, Umno, PAS and others questioned the appointment and the supposed nepotism.

Reports lodged

A coalition of civil society groups also called for greater transparency in the award of government contracts.

The United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai) lodged a complaint to the MACC on Thursday, while MCA lodged a police report a day earlier.

Selangor Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairperson Ng Sze Han had defended Asia Mobiliti’s appointment, which was done through a request for proposal and not through direct negotiation as alleged.

It is also not the only company appointed for the trial and the application of a third company is being considered for the next phase of the project.

Asia Mobiliti said everything was done above board and it is considering legal action against those casting aspersions about the appointment process.

Yeoh has reportedly declined to comment on the issue.

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