The MACC has launched an investigation into a project involving a minister’s husband after receiving several complaints and new leads on the matter, reports say.
The Bernama report did not name the individuals or the project in question but said it was a proof of concept for a Selangor government transport project.
This likely refers to the appointment of Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd (Asia Mobiliti) by the Selangor government as one of two companies that operate a bus-on-demand pilot project for nine months.
Ramachandran Muniandy, the company’s owner and CEO, is the husband of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Allegations and New Leads
“The complaints and information had led to new leads to be looked into. Therefore, investigations will continue to verify the authenticity of the information received. This includes looking into the possibility of abuse of power and non-compliance of treasury directives in the appointment of the said company by the Selangor government,” the report said, citing an anonymous MACC source.
Premesh Chandran, another co-founder of Asia Mobiliti, is a director and former CEO of Malaysiakini.
Confirmation by MACC Deputy Commissioner
Meanwhile, the Bernama report also quotes MACC Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahayat as confirming that the agency has received new leads and information on the case.
“The public is advised not to speculate or have public discussions on the issue and instead to allow the MACC to conduct its investigations,” he was quoted as saying.
Earlier, Azam Baki, the MACC Chief Commissioner, was quoted as saying that he had no problem with the appointment as it was made by another entity, the Selangor state government, and not Yeoh’s ministry.
He, however, assured that an investigation would be carried out if a new lead subsequently surfaces.
Political and Public Response
Azam’s comments came after Bersatu, MCA, UMNO, PAS and other politicians questioned the appointment and alleged nepotism.
A coalition of civil society groups also called for more transparency in the awarding of public contracts.
The Malaysian United Rights Party (Urimai) complained to the MACC on Thursday, while the MCA lodged a police report a day earlier.
Defense and Legal Considerations
Ng Sze Han, the Selangor Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairman, defended the appointment of Asia Mobiliti, which was done through bidding and not direct negotiation as claimed.
It is also not the only company nominated for the trial and a third company is being considered for the next phase of the project.
Everything was done fairly and it was considering legal action against those who raised questions about the appointment process, Asia Mobiliti said.
According to reports, Yeoh has declined to comment on the issue.