THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened 25 investigation papers (IPs) into the management of the Covid-19 pandemic and may call former health minister Dr Adham Baba to assist in investigations, Azam Baki said.

The MACC chief said the probe encompasses a slew of issues with a list of people, including Adham, likely to be questioned by the commission.

Azam did not further elaborate on the details of the investigation.

“Like I said, there are 25 IPs on a wide range of issues.

“That does not necessarily mean that the former health minister will be summoned. We will have to see who is involved and we will call them in,” he told reporters today at a media programme in Putrajaya.

Last month, Azam said the anti-graft agency had begun investigating a case involving bribery over the procurement of medical services, abuse of power in diverting relief aid and stimulus packages, fraud related to procurement of medical protective equipment in terms of its quantity and quality, and bribery of enforcement officers during the periods of movement-control order during the pandemic.

He disclosed the details while giving the keynote address at the Third Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Forum in Putrajaya.

“It is sad, even in this pandemic and state of emergency, that some of these purchases were mired in corruption.

“This shows that there are unscrupulous people who find opportunities to make illegal money from the people’s pain and misfortunes,” he said. – June 2, 2022.