HEALTH Minister Dr Adham Baba has threatened to sue the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) for alleging his involvement in a RM30 million procurement scandal, reports Free Malaysia Today.

His lawyers have issued a letter of demand for RM30 million in damages, with C4 Centre given seven days to pay up and issue a public apology, failing which, legal action will be initiated.

Lawyer Nasser Yusof hopes that C4 Centre will answer the charges.

“C4’s claims are slander. They implied that the minister is corrupt, and this has spoiled his good image.”

Yesterday, the anti-graft group, in a statement, said Dr Adham must explain whether he is involved in the procurement scandal, which is under Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigation.

MACC is probing into five companies directly appointed by the Health Ministry to supply testing equipment and protective gear.

C4 Centre questioned whether Dr Adham asserted control or influence over affairs related to the ministry, in particular, the selection of contractors.

“Did Adham abuse his position by making decisions in ways that will provide personal benefit and favouritism for his business associates?”

It was reported on May 5 that the five firms were summoned by MACC to facilitate investigations into contracts believed to be worth at least RM30 million. They involve the purchase of Covid-19 test kits, personal protective equipment and masks.

This follows former MP Wee Choo Kiong’s claim that a company that received a contract was paid “lots of money upfront”, in addition to not being qualified for the job.

C4 Centre said a search on the Companies Commission of Malaysia website showed that there are links between shareholders of a company offered a contract and another firm with shares in Dr Adham’s private practice, Klinik Adham.

“Transparency and accountability must not be lost in the haste to respond to a pandemic as deadly as Covid-19. Given this, C4 demands that Adham provides a full explanation, in the name of public interest, on the procurement contracts, as well as the appointment of contractors.

“As this unprecedented crisis puts healthcare systems, people’s safety and the economy under tremendous strain, it is imperative that transparency and accountability remain at the heart of the country’s policy responses.”

Dr Adham yesterday dismissed the group’s accusation, calling it an attempt at character assassination.

A statement issued by his office said the minister has no business interests in Khazanah Jaya Sdn Bhd as alleged by C4 Centre, nor any relationship with its shareholders. – May 12, 2020.