A FORMER top government leader and his principal private secretary are believed to have been summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in the investigation related to the embezzlement of government funds worth millions of ringgit.

According to sources quoted by Utusan Malaysia, the ex-top leader is suspected of having acquired assets and businesses through dubious profits.

The source added that the investigation is also targeting the wealth of the leader’s family, including his wife and children. It is believed that the ex-leader is associated with a foundation

He is accused of misusing government funds by approving projects for specific individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The east coast state MP and his right-hand man will probably be summoned this week by MACC to facilitate investigation under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA 2001) and MACC Act 2009,” the source said.

In another case, the MACC is investigating another former high-ranking leader who is suspected of using government funding to rescue his son’s business, causing a petroleum giant in the country to incur losses exceeding RM500 billion since 1979.

The source told the Malay daily that the petroleum giant is alleged to have also been manipulated as a “tool” to rescue financially troubled government-linked companies.

“Funds from the petroleum giant are suspected to have been utilised to build a few mega projects in the country. Aside from the high-ranking leader, there are also business tycoons who have come under the MACC’s radar.” – January 1, 2024.