AN ex-political secretary to a former senior minister was one of two individuals arrested yesterday by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for soliciting and receiving bribes.  

According to sources, the alleged crimes were committed in return for gaining approval for a book printing project worth about RM80 million involving a ministry through direct negotiations. 

“The first suspect is a former political secretary in his 20s while the second suspect is a company owner in his late 50s. 

“They are suspected to have colluded with the former senior minister by soliciting and accepting bribes from the contractor through the second suspect’s company in exchange for approving the project,” the source said in a statement today. 

According to MACC, both individuals were arrested at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at around 11pm after giving their statements and have been remanded for four days until September 26. 

MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, who confirmed the arrests, said investigations were being carried out under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC 2009 Act. – Bernama, September 23, 2023.