MACC arrests Abd Latif Bandi

PETALING JAYA: Johor executive councillor Datuk Abd Latif Bandi was today arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in investigations relating to the sale and purchase of land and property in Johor Baru.
In a statement, MACC said Abd Latif, who had recently taken leave from his state portfolio over the scandal, was arrested at 10.50am at the Johor MACC office.
"The case is being investigated under Section 17 (a) MACC Act 2009 for graft and Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amlatfpuaa) 2001 for money laundering," MACC added in the statement.
The MACC has called all parties not to speculate on the investigations whilst assuring that the case will be investigated in a transparent manner.
Earlier Abd Latif, who was the Johor housing and local government committee chairman, had decided to go on leave pending investigations into the case involving the reduction of premium for land approved for housing and industrial projects as well as conversion of the status of various premises in the state.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Noordin announced a minor exco reshuffle on Wednesday with Mahkota assemblyman Datuk Md Jais Sarday taking over Abd Latif's portfolio.
In Johor Baru, Mohamed Khaled said he leaves it entirely to the MACC to conduct the investigation.
He said he sympathised with Abd Latif regarding the investigation into the corruption and misappropriation case involving assets in the state.
"The state government will provide its fullest cooperation with the anti-graft agency," he told reporters after the state assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar, declining to comment further.
On Feb 24, MACC had arrested Abd Latif's son and special officer along with four others over the land and property scandal in the state.
In addition the enforcement body also froze 45 bank accounts valued at RM15.5 million and seized 21 luxury cars, five high-powered motorcycles, RM500,000 in cash including foreign currencies as well as documents to assist investigations.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported today that four men, including Abd Latif's son and his special aide, were released on MACC bail.
Later today, MACC officers raided Abd Latif's house and seized 150 designer handbags, cash and a luxury vehicle.
The raiding party conducted the raid soon after Abd Latif's arrest at 10.50am by anti-graft personnel
Among the branded handbags were Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton.
Also seized was a Toyota Vellfire and RM41,000 in cash.
Abd Latif is expected to be brought to court today to be remanded.