MACC detains ex-army chief, wives over military procurement probe

MACC detained former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives at about 7pm today in connection with an investigation into a controversial military procurement tender.

In a statement, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said Hafizuddeain (above) and his wives will be brought before the Putrajaya court tomorrow for a remand application.

It is understood that the investigation centres on the flow of funds suspected to have entered the officer’s account.

Hafizuddeain and the two women had earlier presented themselves at the MACC headquarters at around 3pm to assist with the probe.

Kosmo reported Azam as previously saying that the senior military officer had been admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital since Dec 28, but was discharged yesterday.

The report said MACC had earlier informed that the officer was required to give a statement at its Putrajaya office on Dec 28, but was unable to do so due to his hospitalisation.

On Dec 29, the MACC froze six bank accounts belonging to the senior military officer and his family members to assist in the investigation.

In addition to Hafizuddeain and his spouses, another couple linked to the case were also detained. The couple, who are company owners, are under a seven-day remand beginning today.

"The MACC is committed to conducting the inquiry with full transparency and professionalism," the agency added.

Bersatu leader’s exposé

Last month, Port Dickson Bersatu chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin alleged that a forensic review of documents he received anonymously showed monthly transactions amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit credited into the accounts of a senior army officer and his family members.

READ MORE: MACC investigates army projects since 2023

His complaints led to Hafizuddeain’s appointment as the next armed forces chief to be put on hold, despite the appointment having been decided at an Armed Forces Council meeting and receiving royal assent.

On Dec 27, Hafizuddeain was ordered to go on leave to allow an investigation to take place.

Two days later, Azam confirmed that the senior army officer was being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

MACC intercepts money transfer

Earlier today, MACC foiled an attempt to move RM2.4 million in cash, linked to its investigation into the suspected cartel activity involving army procurement tenders.

Azam had said the cash was intercepted while being transferred between two residences by a civilian connected to the case.

"We acted on information received yesterday. This morning, I was informed that our officers had located and secured approximately RM2.4 million, which the individual was attempting to move.

“This cash belongs to one of the suspects in the case," Azam was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Yesterday, MACC obtained a five-day remand order for 17 company directors suspected of operating a cartel to fix tenders for the said procurements.

It was reported that the suspects, comprising nine men and eight women aged between 20 and 60, were detained on Monday while giving statements at the MACC headquarters.

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