ANCOM Bhd executive chairman and former Tourism Malaysia chairman Siew Ka Wei and the chief of a private firm, Elizabeth Ken Tze Ying, were remanded for four days over a RM100 million tourism contract awarded just prior to the 14th general election.

Magistrate Irza Zulaika Rohanuddin ordered their remand until January 12.

The two were brought to the Putrajaya Jaya magistrates’ court at 9am by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

MACC arrested Siew, 62, and Ken, 32, after their statements were recorded at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday.

The two are being investigated on grounds of using one’s office or position for gratification.

Siew, who is the group managing director of Nylex (M) Bhd and Redberry Group CEO, is being investigated over a RM99.7 million deal involving Tourism Malaysia that was signed on April 4, 2018.

Ancom is involved in the manufacturing of agricultural chemicals and herbicides while Nylex is involved in chemical building products.

Redberry Group’s main activities involve outdoor advertising, such as billboards and cinema advertising. It also owns news portal MalayMail.com.

Siew, who is a reportedly a close associate of former prime minister Najib Razak, was appointed Tourism Malaysia chairman on September 21, 2016.

Last June, former Tourism Malaysia chairman Wee Choo Keong revealed on his blog that a contract valued at RM99.7 million was “evaluated, negotiated and sealed in one day” on April 4 2018. The contract was signed a month before the last general election on May 9.

The two-year contract, with Ken’s company, was to promote Malaysia on the internet in China. The company was allegedly paid RM11.9 million on April 23, five days before nomination day for GE14 and 18 days after the 13th Parliament was dissolved.

Wee alleged that Ken was a shareholder and CEO of Geeko Company, which was incorporated in November 2017. – January 9, 2019.