PUTRAJAYA: Another senior military officer is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and is expected to be charged soon in connection with a corruption case.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the investigation involving the officer is nearing completion and, if approved by the Attorney-General (A-G), the senior officer will be brought to court for prosecution.
Azam said the investigation initially focused on the officer, with further developments to follow.
“This is an issue that cannot be ignored. If I do not take action, perceptions will arise, and I would feel guilty if my responsibility is not fulfilled.
“It would seem like major cases proceed while minor ones are left unresolved… that is injustice,” he said in an exclusive interview with Harian Metro after an official visit to the MACC headquarters here yesterday.
Azam said he preferred not to discuss justice at length, as it could lead to extensive debate.
“But my view of justice depends on the situation. In this case, the higher the rank, the more imperative it is that any wrongdoing be prosecuted.
“I will seek the A-G’s recommendation for prosecution. Arrests alone are not enough; once apprehended, they should not be held for long but should be charged immediately,” he said.
Azam said the individual is being investigated for corruption linked to the Defence Ministry.
Asked about the severity of the case and the amount involved, Azam said the figure could not yet be disclosed, but the officer’s rank is the critical factor.
“The case being investigated is also separate from the probe involving the former army chief,” he said.
It was reported yesterday that the MACC has obtained a seven-day remand order against former army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives to facilitate investigations into alleged irregularities in military procurement tenders.
The investigation began on Dec 23 after activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, commonly known as Chegubard, lodged a report alleging “large cash inflows” into the bank accounts of a senior officer and his family from companies awarded military projects.
On Dec 27, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the senior officer had been placed on leave to ensure the probe could proceed without conflict of interest.
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