MACC probe on former DG of spy agency almost complete

PUTRAJAYA: Investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on the former director-general of the now-defunct Malaysia External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid for allegedly misappropriating close to RM50 million in government funds meant for the 14th General Elections is at its tail-end.
Sources said investigators are "tying up loose ends" and the probe is just days away from being completed before being sent to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.
It is learnt that investigators will recommend charges be mounted on Hasanah for the alleged offence.
Hasanah, a deputy director-general of a division in the Prime Minister's Department also with the honorific title of "Datuk", six administrative and diplomatic officers and a businessman with a permanent resident status in United Kingdom, were arrested on Aug 28 and Aug 29.
They were remanded for between five days and seven days to assist with the investigations.
The MACC also seized about RM24 million from the businessman after detaining him.
It was the second case of looting at the Prime Minister's Department.
On Aug 7, 16 of the 17 security guards at the PM's office allegedly split the RM3.5 million they stole from an office at their workplace.
Meanwhile, the MACC has initiated an internal probe on on one of its officers who is seen in a photo with a group of senior MIC leaders and other prominent local Indian figures.
The photo that has been circulating in the social media since last week questioned the presence of the MACC officer with seven men — four of whom were identified — as well as a former senior minister, a former deputy minister, a temple chairman and a businessman well known in the Indian business circle.
MACC sources said the probe is ongoing to ascertain what the officer was doing with the politicians.
The sources said MACC officers are disallowed from engaging with members of political parties in private for personal reasons.
An internal probe handling the case learnt that the photo was taken prior to the 14th General Elections.
It is learnt on being queried the MACC officer had told the team that he had gone to meet the Indian leaders on the instructions of former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad — apparently to engage the Indian political community.
Sources said investigators are in the midst of verifying the officer's claim and if it is found to be true then he would not face repercussions.