Zahid says Sabah MACC arrests not linked to politics

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied any political motivation behind the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) recent arrests of Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) leaders as part of its investigation into the alleged siphoning of public funds.
He said government agencies especially the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, have been instructed to fully cooperate in the probe.
"There are no politics involved in these investigations. We have been transparent. The MACC is just doing its job," he said after delivering his opening speech at the 10th Asean Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication at the JW Marriot Hotel, here, today.
Ahmad Zahid opined that the MACC should be resolved in getting to the bottom of the case as public funds meant for the poor should always reach them.
On Tuesday evening, MACC detained Warisan vice president Datuk Peter Anthony and two others over allegations of mishandling of federal funds allotted for the underprivileged in Sabah.
Also arrested was a former Rural and Regional Development Ministry deputy secretary.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said Umno did not sanction Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos' beer-smashing stunt.
"He is one of 191 Umno division chiefs. The other 190 don't smash anything," the Umno acting deputy president said referring to Jamal's antics outside the Selangor state secretariat building on Thursday.