TOURISM, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Isham Ishak today clarified that he was called in by graft-busters to assist in an ongoing investigation, and that he was not under probe.

He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was investigating a case linked to the ministry.
 
“It is true that I had been called up by the MACC but my role was to assist in their investigations. There is a difference between being investigated and assisting in investigations.

“As a top official in the ministry, I had to explain to them certain procedures and what had happened (in the case under investigation ) and what steps had been taken to overcome the weaknesses,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

Isham, who was appointed to the post in February, was questioned on Tuesday and yesterday by MACC in Putrajaya.

MACC is believed to be interested in a multi-million ringgit contract awarded by the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board before the general election last year.

MACC had opened a probe into the board earlier this year.

The Malaysian Insight understands that the board has continued to make payments to the company even though the contract is under investigation.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight earlier that Isham was first summoned to appear in MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 2pm on Tuesday.

It is learnt he was questioned well past midnight and told to return later the same day to answer more questions.

Isham today refused to reveal the subject of MACC’s investigation.

“This is the first time I have been called in by the MACC. They were very professional. 

“I handed over certain documents to them.”

He said he was speaking to the media because he had to protect his reputation.

“I am coming forward today to talk about my visit to the MACC to avoid any negative impact on my and my family’s reputation, as well as to protect the good name of the ministry,” he said.

He said during the two days of questioning, MACC officers had agreed to let him go back to his office for meetings and return afterwards to resume the sessions. 

He also said that he had lodged police report against news portal www.sabahkini2.com for claiming that he had abused his power and was involved in corrupt practices.

“I lodged two reports against the portal in June and July, and will be making another one soon.

“More recently, the news portal had published classified documents. I am gathering evidence and will lodge a police report soon.” – August 8, 2019.