MACC probes assemblyman's dad for allegedly soliciting bribes in leaked viral video
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has initiated investigations into the allegation that the father of Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim was taking bribes from people to help obtain low-cost housing units for them.
Penang MACC director Datuk Abdul Aziz Aban said they had taken the initiative to probe the matter after the allegation started spreading on the Internet.
"We are now looking for persons of interest to obtain more information," he told theSun when contacted today.
A video clip allegedly showing the 68-year-old soliciting bribes from applicants has gone viral online.
Lim has confirmed a man in the video was her father but refuted the allegation he was taking bribes and stressed he has no power to influence the decision of the state government.
At a press conference today, Penang Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh told those who have made such payments to lodge police reports.
He said the insinuation the system allows for payment by individuals to secure a unit is misplaced and mischievous.
He said the process of selection of individuals for such public housing was a very thorough and stringent one.
"The question of making payment to be ensured such public housing does not arise whatsoever," he said.
Jagdeep also revealed this was not the first time such an incident happened with one taking place in March this year were several individuals have made police reports.
He said police have taken action in that case where the suspect was charged at the Magistrate Court here on March 4.
He said he will personally communicate with Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Rajab to thoroughly investigate the latest allegation.
"The public are advised to be cautions of individuals claiming they can circumvent the process," he added and distributed copies of correspondence between him and the police to show that charges were preferred against the suspect in the March incident.