Op Fella widens: MACC wants prison access to question ex‑Felda chairman on asset deals

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 10 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will seek the cooperation of the Malaysian Prison Department to record the statement of a former Felda chairman currently serving a prison sentence to assist its investigation into the assets and investments of Felda Investment Corporation (FIC).

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the statement needed to be recorded due to a link between the purchase of certain assets and FIC investments currently under investigation.

“We are in the process. We might make the request next week. There are procedures that must be followed,” he said at a press conference at the MACC headquarters here today.

Abd Halim said seven investigation papers had been opened to date under ‘Op Fella’, while statements from 29 witnesses had been recorded in investigations into alleged corruption involving asset purchases and investments by Felda and FIC.

He said the witnesses included former members of the Felda and FIC Boards of Directors, management personnel from both entities, as well as individuals from government agencies and the private sector.

“Among those who have been summoned are former members of the Felda and FIC boards of directors, management personnel from Felda and FIC, as well as representatives from other entities such as land authorities, independent valuers, law firms, and others.

“All the witnesses are interconnected,” he said.

On Sept 6, the MACC detained two individuals linked to the investigation — a former Felda director-general and a former FIC chief executive officer — who remain under remand to assist in the investigation.

Abd Halim said the MACC was also tracing the flow of funds to determine whether there had been any misconduct or bribery involving FIC officials.

“The investigation is ongoing, focusing on documents related to a purchase in Sarawak, the acquisition of an overseas hotel and the establishment of Felda’s own subsidiaries,” he said.

In a related development, he said the MACC was also investigating allegations of misappropriation and abuse of power involving Felda Palong 7 in Negeri Sembilan.

He said statements had so far been recorded from eight individuals, comprising five Felda witnesses and three suppliers.

“The MACC is seeking the cooperation of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to verify the specifications of the supplied seedlings,” he said. — Bernama