THERE is no need for Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar to go on leave following investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into migrant worker approvals, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said. 

He said the case was still under investigation and the minister had not been charged with anything. 

“For example, if I as the prime minister were to be called in to give an explanation and assist in an investigation, does that mean I need to resign too? 

“We must know the difference. The case is still in the process of investigation, which we are leaving to MACC. 

“If there are no charges, then nothing happens. But if there are charges in court, that would be a different story,” Anwar told reporters this afternoon after officiating a book launch at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Sivakumar had not been instructed to take leave. 

Loke said Sivakumar was merely cooperating with the MACC yesterday in their graft probe into migrant worker hiring approvals. 

“He is not a suspect as far as I am concerned. He is just giving his cooperation as a minister on this case. 

“At this point in time, we will observe any development. 

Sivakumar had earlier denied a report that his house was raided by the MACC yesterday. 

When approached by media for comments on an Utusan Malaysia report about the raid, Sivakumar briefly answered: “No, no.” 

He said this after attending the National Training Week launch at Le Meridien Putrajaya.

Utusan Malaysia, quoting sources, reported this morning Sivakumar is being investigated by the MACC over allegations that he received millions of ringgit through a middleman as a guarantee to secure government contracts. 

It said the Batu Gajah MP had his statement taken over nine hours yesterday to assist investigations following the arrest of two of his aides last week over the matter. 

“MACC was also said to have searched the office and home of the minister involved in order to trace the money he allegedly obtained,” said the report. 

A MACC source confirmed the development when contacted by The Malaysian Insight today. – April 17, 2023.