No criminal element found in 1BestariNet project, MACC says

Summary

• MACC says it found no criminal element in its probe of the 1BestariNet project.

• The agency adds that the deputy public prosecutor decided not to pursue any charges.

• MACC suggests that both the Education Ministry and YTL Communications iron out issues during negotiations.

No criminal elements were found during a probe into the 1BestariNet project and the contract to implement it between YTL Communications Sdn Bhd and the Education Ministry, said the MACC.

As such, the deputy public prosecutor has informed the anti-graft agency that no charges will be pursued against any party involved in the case.

“This decision was made based on MACC’s investigation since September, which found no criminal elements in the execution of the tender,” the commission said in a statement today.

Therefore, the MACC recommended that the Education Ministry and YTL Communications return to the negotiating table to iron out any issues in the delivery of services agreed upon in the contract.

The RM4.47 billion 1BestariNet project was mooted during the premiership of Najib Abdul Razak. It was awarded to YTL Communications in 2011 via an open tender to equip schools with broadband services and to create a virtual classroom environment.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin was the education minister at the time.

The project was meant to be completed in 15 years over three phases.

Instead, it became plagued with issues ranging from complaints about slow connectivity to financial discrepancies.

Raid and probe

On Sept 4 this year, the MACC launched a probe into the project and raided YTL’s office and a government office, both in Kuala Lumpur, to facilitate investigations over alleged payments for false claims.

“As a result of the search, several documents were confiscated, and the MACC is working on identifying witnesses to be summoned for statements and facilitate the investigation.

“The investigation is leaning towards (allegations) of submitted claims documents containing false details involving payments of about RM2.7 billion,” a source said.

Yesterday, YTL Communications said MACC cleared it of any wrongdoings.

“We wish to announce that we have received confirmation from MACC that it has concluded its investigation and determined that no charges will be pursued against YTL Comms,” YTL Power International Bhd said in a statement.

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