A Terengganu exco member arrested by MACC over alleged abuse of power is set to be charged in court tomorrow
PETALING JAYA: A Terengganu state executive councillor who was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged abuse of power is set to face charges in court tomorrow morning, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The MACC has secured the public prosecutor’s consent to proceed with the prosecution of the man, who is in his 60s. He is expected to be charged at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court at 9am, according to a report by Berita Harian.
The councillor was taken into custody at 11.15am yesterday while he was providing his statement at the MACC’s Kemaman office.
An MACC source indicated that he is alleged to have directed two state-owned government-linked companies (GLCs) to employ two of his children — with the placements purportedly taking place in 2018 and 2020 respectively.
The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to the use of one’s office or position to obtain gratification for oneself, a relative, or an associate. The provision carries serious penalties upon conviction.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari weighed in on the matter, stating that the executive councillor should not be compelled to step down at this stage, as his continued presence in the role would not affect the course of the investigation.
He reiterated that PAS respects the due process of law and affirmed that the party upholds the principle that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
