KUALA LUMPUR (June 28): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained a remand extension for the chief executive officer of a highway concessionaire arrested this week over alleged bribery in connection with two highway projects worth RM1.67 billion.
The remand sought by MACC officers for four more days — from June 29 to July 2 — was issued by Magistrate Nazira Adlin Ahmad Khairul Razi on Friday, despite objection from the CEO's lawyers. The CEO’s initial remand was until Friday under the order issued by Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin.
Lawyers Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohammed and Farhan Read representing the CEO objected to the remand order extension, with Wan Aizuddin saying that the MACC’s investigation was not done in good faith and amounted to a “fishing expedition”.
He was alluding to posts on social media platforms X and TikTok by the MACC, who had outlined the facts of the case in these posts. Wan Aizuddin submitted that the posts contained more information than what the anti-graft body had divulged to them as counsels, when their client was first remanded.
Meanwhile, the MACC claimed that an extension to the remand was necessary so that potential witnesses in the case will not be interfered with. Wan Aizuddin rebutted by saying that the MACC had already posted facts of the case on social media.
“Any suspect that is at large in this matter, would have got wind that the MACC is investigating the matter (through their social media posts) resulting in the witness to dissipate,” he told the magistrate, adding that the social media posts go against the MACC’s claim of preserving the integrity of the investigation.
Despite their objections, the magistrate allowed extension of the remand.
Farhan Read had written to the MACC on Thursday to seek explanation as to why their client was brought to court earlier this week without prior notice.
On Tuesday, Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) issued a statement saying it was "aware that our personnel have been remanded by MACC to assist in an ongoing investigation relating to a construction case".
"We are committed and are working closely with all relevant authorities to ensure full cooperation in facilitating the investigation,” said the highway concessionaire. “Prolintas continues to be committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity and corporate governance.”
Prolintas operates several highways in the Klang Valley including the Guthrie Corridor Expressway, Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA) and Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH).
The company also runs the Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK), Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) and Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).