Saravanan confirms he will be charged, writes to PM that MACC 'coerced' witnesses

MIC deputy president M Saravanan has penned a letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over what he described as MACC’s “wild and baseless” allegations against him, claiming that certain individuals were coerced into implicating him.

In the letter dated Aug 24 and sighted by Malaysiakini, the former human resources minister said neither he nor his family was personally involved in recruiting foreign workers.

Saravanan (above) told the news portal that the letter was sent yesterday but declined to elaborate.

He also confirmed to Malaysiakini that a video clip featuring him had been sent to MIC members, in which he stated that he would be charged tomorrow.

Saravanan’s letter noted that two businesspersons had been arrested in connection with the hiring of foreign workers. One of them has since passed away on July 28 this year, while the other suffers from chronic kidney disease.

“These two individuals were forced to make confessions against their will simply to associate my name with the malicious intentions of certain parties,” he claimed.

Saravanan said the deceased suspect, identified only as “Syed Amirul”, was released four days after he “agreed to link my name”.

The former minister also claimed that MACC had threatened to arrest his wife.

‘Case continued despite death of main witness’

According to Saravanan, the second suspect was remanded for six days because he refused to make a statement implicating him and was forced to undergo dialysis treatment while in custody.

Saravanan also claimed that the second suspect is willing to testify in court.

“Once Syed Amirul was released on cash bail of RM10,000, he and his wife attempted to correct the defamatory statement, but were prevented from doing so by MACC officers.

“On the advice of their lawyer, Syed Amirul and his wife signed an affidavit before the Commissioner for Oaths on Sept 22, 2022, a copy of which was also extended to MACC

“Following the admission and mistakes, MACC, on June, 26, 2023, returned the bail money and confirmed that the case had been resolved without any investigation being conducted against me,” he added in the 15-page letter.

However, Saravanan said MACC summoned Syed Amirul and his wife again for questioning in November last year.

“Faced with this situation, Syed Amirul and his wife took a firmer stance by submitting another affidavit to reaffirm the confession (that he was forced to implicate Saravanan) made in 2022.

“Unfortunately, Syed Amirul passed away on July 28, 2026. Now, the MACC appears to be trying to continue action against me when the main witness no longer exists,” he added.

No action, but…

Saravanan also claimed that he had met Anwar several times on the said matter.

He then pointed out the “important facts” of the case, which were:

• There was no seizure of cash or material evidence linked to him in this case;

• He did not issue instructions to any government official, and the power to grant approvals is not in his hands;

• He does not know any of the applicants named and, throughout the process, there had been no communication between him and Syed Amirul or any other individual.

Saravanan also expressed confidence that Anwar, as the head of government, is “very concerned and aware” that the action taken against him is “a form of persecution and has malicious motives from the government agency”.

“I really appreciate all the concern and appropriate action from the prime minister. Thank you,” he added.

Malaysiakini has contacted MACC and the Prime Minister’s Office for comment.

When three ex-PMs walk into KL court complex on same day

Ismail Sabri charged with failing to declare millions in assets, gold bars

MACC detains ex-Tabung Haji chairperson, former Treasury sec-gen over RCI findings

MACC collars senior Penang politician over RM1.96m land scandal

SNAPSHOT | Ex-minister Xavier rejoins PKR; company CEO remanded over Tabung Haji probe