Conflicting reports are emerging on the ongoing investigations into bribery and corruption charges involving projects worth several millions of ringgit in Labuan.

yussof mahal Labuan member of Parliament, Yussof Mahal, breaking his silence amidst the swirling speculation around him, has denied being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency in connection with the controversial projects, but at the same time divulged some interesting information.

"The projects mentioned were handled by my company. It is only appropriate for me to speak up to give the true picture about the mater and clear my name," he said, adding, "I have never been called by the ACA regarding the matter."

Yussof, however, admitted that his company manager had been called by the ACA to give a statement.

The two controversial projects are a market worth RM24.8 million and a school worth RM10.5 million. Bank Negara Malaysia and the Sabah Commercial Crimes Department have also reportedly launched separate investigations into the projects.

Lodge a police report soon

Yussof also denied allegations of improprieties in the bank loans taken for the projects, saying he had followed proper procedures and had all the documents.

"Bank workers are trained professionals and they should have no problems in distinguishing between original and false documents," Yussof said, adding that he would be lodging a police report soon against those who made unfounded allegations against him.

He further contended that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

"They smack of a conspiracy to ruin my political career," he said, adding that the allegations came in the wake of the Umno Labuan division elections in which he offered himself as a candidate to contest the top post.

Sabah ACA director Latifah Mohd Yatim, when contacted, declined to comment on the probe. "I don’t want to say anything at the moment. Let us do our job," she said in a brief statement.

In Keningau, ACA director-general, Ahmad Said Hamdan, added: "Give us a chance to investigate first. Don’t simply hurl accusations. The case is being handled jointly by Sabah ACA and the headquarters in Kuala Lumpur."

The ACA probe was allegedly launched after Hazreeq Putra Hasman, 28, lodged a police report on behalf of his company, Nautika Innovasi Sdn Bhd, alleging that he had been cheated by the politician.