A FORMER top official of Tourism Malaysia was arrested this evening by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

An agency source said the official and another officer from a private company were arrested when they showed up at the agency to have their statements recorded in connection with an investigation into a tourism contract.

The source said the MACC will seek a remand order for both from the Putrajaya court tomorrow morning. 

The source said the two were detained under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, relating to the offence of using one’s office or position for gratification.

The top official is a well-known businessman while the officer is a top administrator at a private firm.

It is learnt the arrests are linked to investigations into a RM100 million contract that was allegedly approved in one day, shortly before the general election last May.

Former Tourism Malaysia chairman Wee Choo Keong had brought the matter to light on his blog on May 31.

He said the contract, which went to a local company to act as a go-between for Tourism Malaysia and a China-based firm to promote Malaysia on social media, was awarded in haste and without due diligence. – January 7, 2019.