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The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recently raided two safe houses and seized RM321,000 in both foreign and local currencies as part of an investigation into a case involving Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI). MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki disclosed that RM78,000 was found in an office, while the remaining RM243,000 was found at another safe house. There were also reports that some of the money was used for investments in Singapore, but further details regarding the amount and owner were not revealed.
The case also involves a prominent politician, as reported by local media. During a raid on a condominium unit in Kuala Lumpur, MACC discovered RM5 million in foreign currency, also linked to the same politician involved in the corruption probe. It was revealed that the condominium unit was used as a safe house to store proceeds of corruption and to fund the politician’s political activities. A businessman was allegedly instructed by the politician to store the money given by an unidentified individual at the apartment.
Previously, a former MBI senior executive and a businessman were arrested by MACC in connection to a sand mining concession granted by a subsidiary of the state investment body. The two individuals arrested were purportedly linked to a prominent opposition leader with political influence in Selangor. MACC chief Azam Baki mentioned that the politician involved will only be summoned for investigation when there is sufficient evidence. Around 15 witnesses have already been called, and more are expected to be summoned as the investigation progresses.
The MACC chief did not disclose whether the individual involved is currently in government or if there are more politicians implicated in the case. He mentioned that the anti-graft busters are still conducting investigations and believe that more evidence may be uncovered at other potential ‘safe houses’. Two other suspects who were detained have since been released, including a male driver and a former financial officer in a firm that secured the sand mining concession several years ago.
Under the administration of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia has seen numerous high-profile raids involving prominent political and business figures. A notable case involved the seizure of the multi-million-dollar Ilham Tower owned by the family of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin in December 2023. Daim Zainuddin, a close ally of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, was later charged for failing to comply with a notice to declare his assets under the country’s anti-corruption laws. These recent efforts by the MACC underscore the government’s commitment to combating corruption and holding individuals accountable for their involvement in such activities.
