THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be calling in Kedah caretaker Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for its investigation into the alleged theft of rare earth elements in Kedah.

MACC chief Azam Baki said Sanusi is among several witnesses to be called in.

He did not say when Sanusi would be present for questioning.

“There is a viral letter in relation to the mining activities that bears his (Sanusi’s) signature.

“One of the things we will be asking is about this issue (rare earth element theft), as the letter has gone viral.

“We don’t know yet when we’ll be summoning him. I am leaving it to the investigators,” he told reporters after an MACC engagement programme with the media in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.

He said the MACC has so far called 12 witnesses, including officers from Menteri Besar Kedah Inc (MBI Kedah) and private companies involved in rare earth element mining in Kedah.

He said the MACC is also tracking witnesses from China. 

“The witnesses from China are said to have invested in this rare earth element mining (activity),” he said.

Azam rejected claims MACC is being pressured by certain parties to hasten the investigation as state polls are approaching.

“No one is pressuring us; this was just a coincidence. 

“Whether it’s because of state elections or not, it’s not a problem. MACC will investigate matters related to any issue of corruption and abuse of power in the government administration,” he said. 

Yesterday, the MACC arrested a senior officer from MBI Kedah as well as a director to assist investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of power in the mining sector, involving bribes exceeding RM13 million.

Rare earth element mining activities were allegedly carried out by the company, which has been accused of receiving protection from certain authorities since 2020.

MACC sources claimed the agency has detected a money trail to the tune of RM13 million, paid by the company to protect the illegal mining activity from 2020. – July 20, 2023.