THE people developing and backing the proposed Taman Rimba Kiara project in Kuala Lumpur will be duly investigated for alleged corruption even if the project is approved by the cabinet, said Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad.

He said the authorities would also take action if there is evidence of wrongdoing.

He said approval for the project would not mean absolution for any act of corruption linked to the housing scheme.

“Those who are involved in corrupt practices will still be punished,” Khalid said after a buka puasa dinner with the Federal Territories Ministry staff in Putrajaya tonight.

Khalid had said it was up to the cabinet decide whether to go ahead with the controversial development as he felt the row over the project was getting “personal”.

 February, a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) source said that the commission has started investigations and will call those linked to the development.

They include former federal territories minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, the developer and City Hall officials.

The park was rezoned for development by the former Barisan Nasional government and City Hall, but residents of the affluent suburb oppose the project, citing traffic congestion and the loss of one of Kuala Lumpur last green areas.

They had said Khalid’s predecessor, Tengku Adnan, had approved the project with elements of conflict of interest and corruption.

Khalid said that his ministry has prepared the papers to be submitted to Cabinet in May. 

“I’m currently vetting it. Once that is done, it will be passed to all the other relevant ministries for their feedback then it will be brought to Cabinet for a decision.” – May 8, 2019.