Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is prepared to launch an investigation if any misuse is found involving the RM180,000 allocation granted to each Pakatan Harapan (PH) state assemblyman prior to the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly on June 5.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman stated that reports accompanied by evidence of fund misuse or legal offences would enable the commission to initiate a formal investigation. However, Abd Halim noted that currently, the MACC sees no issue with the approval of the allocations, as a legitimate government is allowed to introduce policies or approve funds as long as they comply with the law and the Federal Constitution.
Abd Halim further elaborated that such situations differ for a caretaker government, which should refrain from introducing new policies that could bind an incoming administration after an election. On August 26, 17 former PH state assemblymen and two assembly coordinators from the previous Negeri Sembilan administration were instructed to return their August and September allocations following the assembly's dissolution on June 5.
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim explained that the allocations were approved on June 3 and credited into the recipients' accounts on June 4, merely a day before the assembly was dissolved. The decision to demand the return of the funds aims to ensure state government funds comply with recipient status post-dissolution, maintaining financial transparency and integrity. Demand letters will be issued to recipients, granting them 30 days for repayment.
In a separate development, Abd Halim mentioned that the MACC had not yet received a letter concerning a corruption case involving former human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan. He clarified that the commission is still awaiting the letter from the relevant party.
Addressing allegations about the death of a key witness in the Saravanan case, Abd Halim emphasized that details fall under confidential investigation procedures, accessible only to investigating officers and top MACC management. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all parties to allow the legal process to proceed in Saravanan's case, emphasizing its jurisdiction under the MACC and the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Saravanan, who is the Tapah MP, previously pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to three corruption charges amounting to RM1.097 million related to the approval of foreign worker quotas. He asserted that his letter to the Prime Minister was intended to clarify his position rather than seek intervention or the dropping of charges.