THE arrest of Isa Samad has surprised anti-graft group Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) which described it as a “very amazing development”.

C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel congratulated the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and hoped that more big names will be hauled in soon in relation to the corruption at Felda.

“We recommend a special tribunal of independent persons to dissect the issues and call for a revamp to the entire governing system of Felda,” Cynthia said. 

Isa was arrested this afternoon when giving his statement at the MACC headquarters in a probe into the Felda Investment Corporation’s overpriced purchase of hotels in Kensington, London, and Kuching. 

He was Felda chairman until some two months ago. 

Meanwhile, Malay rights group Perkasa praised MACC for its fight against corruption. 

Its secretary-general, Syed Hassan Syed Ali, said Malaysia was now “famous in the eyes of the world for corruption”. 

He said Perkasa has always supported MACC’s work in busting graft. 

“However, we hope Isa can clear himself of the graft claims.” – August 15, 2017.