MACC records Isa Samad’s statement in Sg Buloh prison

Former Felda chairman, Isa Samad, had his statement taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at Sungai Buloh Prison on Thursday, as part of its probe into the statutory body’s investment arm.

This was confirmed by MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman who said the statement was recorded in connection with seven investigations into alleged misappropriation, abuse of power and corruption involving investments at Felda and its subsidiary, Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC), Bernama reported.

The probe, dubbed Op Fella by the anti-graft agency, will focus on investment transactions and asset acquisitions by Felda and FIC over a 10-year period from 2010 to 2020.

“Investigations are ongoing, and the statement was recorded at Sungai Buloh Prison on Sept 17. It is expected to continue next week,” he told reporters at a press conference in Kajang today.

“As of Sept 18, a total of 34 witnesses have been called and their statements recorded in connection with the seven cases being investigated by MACC. They include former Felda board members and former FICSB board members.”

According to Halim, of the seven cases, MACC is currently focusing on allegations of misappropriation involving the Kuala Lumpur Vertical City (KLVC) project.

“For this case, MACC has detained two individuals, a former Felda director-general and a former FICSB chief executive officer. They were remanded for several days by the court before being released on MACC bail,” he said.

“MACC will recommend that charges be brought against the two individuals mentioned earlier based on the investigation papers.

“We will seek the Attorney General’s Chambers’ consent to proceed with the prosecution and other related matters.”

He said statements from 30 witnesses, including Felda board members and management, had been recorded in connection with the KLVC investigation, which has now been completed.

Isa is currently serving a six-year jail sentence after he was convicted on nine corruption charges involving RM3.09 million in 2021.

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