THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today confirmed that former Prasarana chairman, Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, was arrested yesterday to assist into investigations relating to an abuse of power case.

A source from the anti-graft body told The Malaysian Insight that an initial investigation showed that Umno’s Pasir Salak MP had appointed a relative to hold a senior position in Prasarana.

“He was detained to have his statement recorded and later released on bail.

“We are looking into a possible abuse of power charge where he was alleged to have appointed an in-law into Prasarana. The case is being probed under Section 23 of the MACC act,” the source said.

Tajuddin was also summoned to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters yesterday where he had his statement recorded for allegedly violating Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP).

This was after he was seen in a video holding a press conference on the LRT collision involving 213 passengers without wearing a mask.

Last month, MACC chief Azam Baki said that the anti-graft body had completed an investigation related to a possible abuse of power case in Prasarana with its investigation papers submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

Azam had said MACC was still waiting for instructions from the Attorney-General.

The MACC had reportedly visited the Prasarana office in January in connection with the investigation into Tajuddin, who allegedly tried to use his capacity as chairman to make significant changes in the company.

The Malaysian Insight is currently waiting for a response from Azam.

Tajuddin was sacked on May 26 as the chairman of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, with immediate effect. He was appointed as Prasarana chairman in May last year as soon as the Perikatan Nasional government came into power.

Tajuddin’s sacking came after strong public criticism over his callous attitude at the press conference on the train collision.

On May 24, two LRT trains collided on the underground stretch of the line between the KLCC and Kampung Baru stations, resulting in minor injuries to 166 passengers while 47 others suffered serious injuries with three warded in the intensive care unit due to brain haemorrhage.

At the press conference the next day, Tajuddin hit out at his critics for “provoking” him to resign after critics had panned him for his absence from the scene of the crash. – May 28, 2021.