Family lawyers of late Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed have submitted new evidence to the police that could determine the manner of his death.
Lawyer Ghazali Mohd Ramli said the evidence was submitted on Sunday.
“We hope they will investigate the matter,” Ghazali told a press conference at his law firm here yesterday.
When asked what the evidence was, he said: “We can’t reveal it to the media because we don’t want to jeopardise the investigation.
“However, we believe the clue will be able to determine whether Ahmad Sarbani had committed suicide or not.”
He also questioned Ahmad Sarbani’s motive to go to the MACC building if he wanted to take his own life.
Ghazali said that Ahmad Sarbani was not involved in money laundering.
According to a statement given to the media by the lawyers, Ahmad Sarbani had three cars, a Perodua Kancil, a second-hand Honda CRV, a Proton Persona and a Modenas Kriss bike.
He also owned an apartment in Bukit Tinggi, Klang, worth RM65,872, an apartment in Puncak Alam (RM68,988), a Semi-D cluster house in Saujana Impian in Sungai Buloh (RM230,000) and RM35,000 in savings in Amanah Saham Bumiputra.
”He bought the Semi-D house with a government loan and the savings were from his wife’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF), which she had withdrawn when she was 50 years old,” said Awtar Singh, another lawyer representing Ahmad Sarbani’s family.
Meanwhile, police have recorded another four statements in their investigations.
“The crime lab is also viewing the CCTV footage taken from the MACC headquarters in Jalan Cochrane as well as the mobile phone belonging to Ahmad Sarbani,” deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Amar Singh told a press conference at the Cheras police headquarters yesterday.
Source : The Star
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
RCI outcome more significant
With the death of another person at the grounds of an MACC building, the work of the Royal Commission of Inquiry looking into the death of Teoh Beng Hock becomes even more significant.
THE death of two people either as witnesses or suspects, involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and at their premises, is unacceptable and indicates a deep malaise in the rules and procedures governing the commission when interacting with the public.
Days after the start of a probe into the multi-billion corruption allegations against the Customs Depart-ment, a senior officer was found dead at the commission's new building in Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur, an incident very nearly identical to the death of DAP aide Teoh Beng Hock in July 2009.
Like the Teoh case, the death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed has sparked immediate and intense speculation with numerous politicians, Customs officials, friends and colleagues expressing shock at his death and offering condolences while also speculating on what really happened.
The commission issued a statement that Ahmad Sarbani had arrived at its office voluntarily on a motorcycle to meet the investigating officer and was found missing after the officer left him alone to retrieve some files.
A search found him dead on the ground floor and police forensic units spent over five hours searching the area for evidence.
However, not everybody agrees with the commission's version, just as was the case with the death of Teoh.
Responding to the national angst, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak ordered a thorough probe into Ahmad Sarbani's death by the commission and the police while discounting the need for another Royal Commission of Inquiry.
The death of Ahmad Sarbani brings into question once again the many rules and procedure issues that were brought up at the Teoh inquest and currently at the RCI into his death.
One of the RCI's key areas of investigation is to discover how the MACC treats witnesses, how it interacts, the interrogation procedure, the hours and time involved and methods employed.
Essentially, this involves the general management of a person once he or she enters the MACC building.
The commission is also mandated to, besides investigating the MACC's rules of engagement, recommend changes, where needed. This is to ensure that people are safe when interacting with or in the custody of the MACC.
Even if a person is a suspect or a witness, the person's basic human rights must be respected and protected at all times, especially the right to life.
It is the duty of the MACC, as the custodial authority, to ensure that the person is safe. Whether the person is guilty or not is a matter to be determined by a court.
That two people have died indicates that MACC's rules of engagement with the public need an urgent and close inspection and possibly a major overhaul so that people are safe when in its custody.
The moment a person is arrested or asked to appear at the MACC office, that person's welfare and wellbeing is in the hands of the MACC.
As revealed in the Teoh inquest, the movements of witnesses or suspects were not strictly monitored or regulated.
Like all law enforcement authorities, the MACC should understand that life often comes to a standstill when a person is called up or investigated either as a witness or suspect. People holding positions or with a social status are suddenly made vulnerable.
It is well known that sudden changes in social status and comfort and the fear of shame or discovery or punishment renders any person very vulnerable and contemplate an exit like suicide as a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
“Everybody is a potential suicide (victim) depending on the degree of vulnerability and the ability to handle it,” said a leading academic and psychologist who spoke on anony-mity.
“The MACC's rules of engagement should understand this vulnerability and mitigate it by strict supervision and other means,” he said.
Ahmad Sarbani's death happened even as RCI was probing the rules and procedures of the MACC in relation to Teoh's death which severely tarnished the commission's image.
The fallout from Teoh's death is still roiling the political establishment.
While the Government has promised that the MACC's corruption probe into the Customs Department will continue, a rattled public also wants to know the truth about how and why Teoh and Ahmad Sarbani had died and more importantly, how to stop such deaths.
With another death, the RCI into the MACC's procedures and rules of engagement is doubly significant because its findings and recommendations could see the creation of a truly effective and a thoroughly professional MACC a commission that the public need not fear or deride but is proud of.
Comment by BARADAN KUPPUSAMY
Source : The Star
THE death of two people either as witnesses or suspects, involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and at their premises, is unacceptable and indicates a deep malaise in the rules and procedures governing the commission when interacting with the public.
Days after the start of a probe into the multi-billion corruption allegations against the Customs Depart-ment, a senior officer was found dead at the commission's new building in Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur, an incident very nearly identical to the death of DAP aide Teoh Beng Hock in July 2009.
Like the Teoh case, the death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed has sparked immediate and intense speculation with numerous politicians, Customs officials, friends and colleagues expressing shock at his death and offering condolences while also speculating on what really happened.
The commission issued a statement that Ahmad Sarbani had arrived at its office voluntarily on a motorcycle to meet the investigating officer and was found missing after the officer left him alone to retrieve some files.
A search found him dead on the ground floor and police forensic units spent over five hours searching the area for evidence.
However, not everybody agrees with the commission's version, just as was the case with the death of Teoh.
Responding to the national angst, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak ordered a thorough probe into Ahmad Sarbani's death by the commission and the police while discounting the need for another Royal Commission of Inquiry.
The death of Ahmad Sarbani brings into question once again the many rules and procedure issues that were brought up at the Teoh inquest and currently at the RCI into his death.
One of the RCI's key areas of investigation is to discover how the MACC treats witnesses, how it interacts, the interrogation procedure, the hours and time involved and methods employed.
Essentially, this involves the general management of a person once he or she enters the MACC building.
The commission is also mandated to, besides investigating the MACC's rules of engagement, recommend changes, where needed. This is to ensure that people are safe when interacting with or in the custody of the MACC.
Even if a person is a suspect or a witness, the person's basic human rights must be respected and protected at all times, especially the right to life.
It is the duty of the MACC, as the custodial authority, to ensure that the person is safe. Whether the person is guilty or not is a matter to be determined by a court.
That two people have died indicates that MACC's rules of engagement with the public need an urgent and close inspection and possibly a major overhaul so that people are safe when in its custody.
The moment a person is arrested or asked to appear at the MACC office, that person's welfare and wellbeing is in the hands of the MACC.
As revealed in the Teoh inquest, the movements of witnesses or suspects were not strictly monitored or regulated.
Like all law enforcement authorities, the MACC should understand that life often comes to a standstill when a person is called up or investigated either as a witness or suspect. People holding positions or with a social status are suddenly made vulnerable.
It is well known that sudden changes in social status and comfort and the fear of shame or discovery or punishment renders any person very vulnerable and contemplate an exit like suicide as a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
“Everybody is a potential suicide (victim) depending on the degree of vulnerability and the ability to handle it,” said a leading academic and psychologist who spoke on anony-mity.
“The MACC's rules of engagement should understand this vulnerability and mitigate it by strict supervision and other means,” he said.
Ahmad Sarbani's death happened even as RCI was probing the rules and procedures of the MACC in relation to Teoh's death which severely tarnished the commission's image.
The fallout from Teoh's death is still roiling the political establishment.
While the Government has promised that the MACC's corruption probe into the Customs Department will continue, a rattled public also wants to know the truth about how and why Teoh and Ahmad Sarbani had died and more importantly, how to stop such deaths.
With another death, the RCI into the MACC's procedures and rules of engagement is doubly significant because its findings and recommendations could see the creation of a truly effective and a thoroughly professional MACC a commission that the public need not fear or deride but is proud of.
Comment by BARADAN KUPPUSAMY
Source : The Star
Ahmad Sarbani would never take a bribe, says family
Family members of late Selangor Customs Department assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed do not believe that the deceased was corrupt.
His younger brother Hassan, 53, said Ahmad Sarbani was a respectable man who would never have taken a bribe.
“My brother was a hardworking and responsible person. We do not believe he was corrupt,” he said when met at the Customs Department quarters in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
He said that Ahmad Sarbani, the eldest of eight siblings, was a happy-go-lucky, friendly and caring person.
Hassan said he and his family were deeply saddened by reports in several dailies claiming that his brother was corrupt.
“Just look at how he lived. Certain media reports claimed he was involved in money laundering and corruption. Then why did he stay at the Customs quarters if he had so much money?” he said.
Hassan also hoped that the media would allow his family to grieve in private.
Source : The Star
His younger brother Hassan, 53, said Ahmad Sarbani was a respectable man who would never have taken a bribe.
“My brother was a hardworking and responsible person. We do not believe he was corrupt,” he said when met at the Customs Department quarters in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
He said that Ahmad Sarbani, the eldest of eight siblings, was a happy-go-lucky, friendly and caring person.
Hassan said he and his family were deeply saddened by reports in several dailies claiming that his brother was corrupt.
“Just look at how he lived. Certain media reports claimed he was involved in money laundering and corruption. Then why did he stay at the Customs quarters if he had so much money?” he said.
Hassan also hoped that the media would allow his family to grieve in private.
Source : The Star
Woman and PKR man plead not guilty in title-for-sale case
A Kelantan PKR division leader and a single mother have pleaded not guilty to graft charges involving RM50,000 as an inducement to obtain a Datukship for a third person.
Self-employed Nor Azimah Jamaludin, 31, pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court judge Rosbiahanin Arifin to receiving a RM50,000 cheque from one Izuldin Hani Mohd Noor as an inducement to obtain for him a Datuk di-Raja title from Persatuan Kerabat Di-Raja Duli Yang Maha Mulia Long Yunus in Kelantan.
Nor Azimah, who was unrepresented, also claimed trial to an alternative charge of cheating Izuldin into handing over the cheque.
Both offences were allegedly committed at a fast-food restaurant in Taman Melati on Dec 8, 2010.
Day in court: Nor Azimah and Mohammad Agos (right) have been charged with accepting monetary inducements to obtain a Kelantan title for a third person.
In a separate Sessions Court, Rantau Panjang PKR chief Datuk Mohammad Agos Mohd Noor, 52, pleaded not guilty before judge Rozilah Salleh to abetting Nor Azimah in both the main and alternative charges.
Both Nor Azimah and Mohammad Agos were granted RM30,000 bail each with one surety and their cases fixed for mention on May 9.
For the main charge under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, they face up to 20 years in jail and a fine of five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
They can also be sentenced up to 10 years in jail and be whipped and fined for the alternative charge under the Penal Code.
In Shah Alam, Nor Azimah also claimed trial in the Sessions Court to two charges of accepting RM150,000 from a businessman, with two alternative charges of deceiving, to secure a similar title last year.
She is alleged to have received a cheque for RM75,000, as an inducement to secure the title, at a cafe in a hotel at Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Port Klang, on Nov 13 last year.
Alternatively, she is alleged to have deceived Salleh into believing that she could obtain the award whereas it was unlawful under the Kelantan Constitution.
On the second charge, Nor Azimah is alleged to have accepted a cheque for RM75,000 from Salleh as an inducement to do the same thing and at the same place, between Nov 20 and 30 last year.
DPP Muhammad Sinti of MACC, who appeared for the prosecution, applied for the cases to be transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to be heard with Nor Azimah’s other charges.
Judge M. Bakri ordered the cases to be transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.
Source : The Star
Self-employed Nor Azimah Jamaludin, 31, pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court judge Rosbiahanin Arifin to receiving a RM50,000 cheque from one Izuldin Hani Mohd Noor as an inducement to obtain for him a Datuk di-Raja title from Persatuan Kerabat Di-Raja Duli Yang Maha Mulia Long Yunus in Kelantan.
Nor Azimah, who was unrepresented, also claimed trial to an alternative charge of cheating Izuldin into handing over the cheque.
Both offences were allegedly committed at a fast-food restaurant in Taman Melati on Dec 8, 2010.
Day in court: Nor Azimah and Mohammad Agos (right) have been charged with accepting monetary inducements to obtain a Kelantan title for a third person.In a separate Sessions Court, Rantau Panjang PKR chief Datuk Mohammad Agos Mohd Noor, 52, pleaded not guilty before judge Rozilah Salleh to abetting Nor Azimah in both the main and alternative charges.
Both Nor Azimah and Mohammad Agos were granted RM30,000 bail each with one surety and their cases fixed for mention on May 9.
For the main charge under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, they face up to 20 years in jail and a fine of five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
They can also be sentenced up to 10 years in jail and be whipped and fined for the alternative charge under the Penal Code.
In Shah Alam, Nor Azimah also claimed trial in the Sessions Court to two charges of accepting RM150,000 from a businessman, with two alternative charges of deceiving, to secure a similar title last year.
She is alleged to have received a cheque for RM75,000, as an inducement to secure the title, at a cafe in a hotel at Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Port Klang, on Nov 13 last year.
Alternatively, she is alleged to have deceived Salleh into believing that she could obtain the award whereas it was unlawful under the Kelantan Constitution.
On the second charge, Nor Azimah is alleged to have accepted a cheque for RM75,000 from Salleh as an inducement to do the same thing and at the same place, between Nov 20 and 30 last year.
DPP Muhammad Sinti of MACC, who appeared for the prosecution, applied for the cases to be transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to be heard with Nor Azimah’s other charges.
Judge M. Bakri ordered the cases to be transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.
Source : The Star
RM2mil in account of ex-director
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has traced millions of ringgit more in the accounts of Customs Department officers, including at least RM2mil in the account of a retired Customs director.
Sources said the task force investigating the case believed a well-known forwarding company had banked the money into the account of the retired director for favours granted while in office.
They said more officers living beyond their means had been identified.
“Efforts are under way to freeze their accounts. Investigations have intensified as more information pertaining to the illegal activities has surfaced.
“There is not going to be any slowing down as the information showed several billions of ringgit are still out there.
The sources said the task force, despite being “attacked” by various quarters following the death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, who was found dead at the MACC headquarters here on Wednesday morning, would not let up on their investigations.
The sources said several teams were continuing their probes in other states and did not rule out more arrests.
MACC, together with several other agencies, had arrested over 60 senior Customs officers and seized millions of ringgit, gold bars and other valuable items such as luxury cars and watches from them.
The raids were conducted at several ports nationwide especially in Penang, Port Klang, Kuantan, Johor and Sabah following information that syndicates with their tentacles in many organisations had siphoned out more than RM10bil via tax evasion and money-laundering.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said initial findings into the death of Ahmad Sarbani showed that his injuries were consistent with a fall from a height.
He said police had received the post-mortem report and sent the findings to the crime laboratory for further analysis.
“The lab should conclude its analysis by the end of next week. We have also recorded statements from six MACC officers to facilitate investigations,” he said at the city police headquarters yesterday.
Source : The Star
Sources said the task force investigating the case believed a well-known forwarding company had banked the money into the account of the retired director for favours granted while in office.
They said more officers living beyond their means had been identified.
“Efforts are under way to freeze their accounts. Investigations have intensified as more information pertaining to the illegal activities has surfaced.
“There is not going to be any slowing down as the information showed several billions of ringgit are still out there.
The sources said the task force, despite being “attacked” by various quarters following the death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, who was found dead at the MACC headquarters here on Wednesday morning, would not let up on their investigations.
The sources said several teams were continuing their probes in other states and did not rule out more arrests.
MACC, together with several other agencies, had arrested over 60 senior Customs officers and seized millions of ringgit, gold bars and other valuable items such as luxury cars and watches from them.
The raids were conducted at several ports nationwide especially in Penang, Port Klang, Kuantan, Johor and Sabah following information that syndicates with their tentacles in many organisations had siphoned out more than RM10bil via tax evasion and money-laundering.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said initial findings into the death of Ahmad Sarbani showed that his injuries were consistent with a fall from a height.
He said police had received the post-mortem report and sent the findings to the crime laboratory for further analysis.
“The lab should conclude its analysis by the end of next week. We have also recorded statements from six MACC officers to facilitate investigations,” he said at the city police headquarters yesterday.
Source : The Star
MACC to tighten handling of suspects and visitors
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers must now resolve all matters related to guests, suspects, witnesses and complainants on the ground floor of its premises with immediate effect.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (management and professionalism) Datuk Zakaria Jaafar said that in leased premises, officers had been directed to monitor at all times anyone with official business with the anti-graft body.
He said this followed a long-time directive from previous director-generals that meeting of visitors and guests was limited to visitors' and waiting rooms.
“Under the new directive, maximum security steps must be taken for everyone who has business with MACC, especially the accused, suspects, witnesses and complainants,” he told reporters at MACC headquarters here yesterday.
“All business must be resolved or performed under the supervision of an MACC officer at all times. Guests cannot be left alone.
“It is not merely the safety of the visitors but also that of the officers and premises,” he said.
Zakaria said his division, which is in charge of discipline, would issue warning letters, suspend or terminate the employment of any officer found to have violated the orders.
“I have also asked the excellence and professionalism division to take strict action against any officer who violates these orders so that discipline in MACC remains at the highest level,” he said, stressing that action would only be taken against officers performing “non-criminal” acts.
“Criminal violations will be referred to the relevant authorities such as the police,” Zakaria said, adding that procedures related to the interrogation and handling of witnesses and suspects were contained in the MACC Chief Commissioner's Standing Orders.
Zakaria also told MACC directors in charge of safety to inspect all its premises to ensure that its security measures had been adhered to.
In Petaling Jaya, MCA publicity bureau deputy chairman Loh Seng Kok said measures must be taken to strengthen and improve the design and construction of MACC buildings.
Source : The Star
MACC deputy chief commissioner (management and professionalism) Datuk Zakaria Jaafar said that in leased premises, officers had been directed to monitor at all times anyone with official business with the anti-graft body.
He said this followed a long-time directive from previous director-generals that meeting of visitors and guests was limited to visitors' and waiting rooms.
“Under the new directive, maximum security steps must be taken for everyone who has business with MACC, especially the accused, suspects, witnesses and complainants,” he told reporters at MACC headquarters here yesterday.
“All business must be resolved or performed under the supervision of an MACC officer at all times. Guests cannot be left alone.
“It is not merely the safety of the visitors but also that of the officers and premises,” he said.
Zakaria said his division, which is in charge of discipline, would issue warning letters, suspend or terminate the employment of any officer found to have violated the orders.
“I have also asked the excellence and professionalism division to take strict action against any officer who violates these orders so that discipline in MACC remains at the highest level,” he said, stressing that action would only be taken against officers performing “non-criminal” acts.
“Criminal violations will be referred to the relevant authorities such as the police,” Zakaria said, adding that procedures related to the interrogation and handling of witnesses and suspects were contained in the MACC Chief Commissioner's Standing Orders.
Zakaria also told MACC directors in charge of safety to inspect all its premises to ensure that its security measures had been adhered to.
In Petaling Jaya, MCA publicity bureau deputy chairman Loh Seng Kok said measures must be taken to strengthen and improve the design and construction of MACC buildings.
Source : The Star
Cop arrested for trying to cash in on Customs detainee
A policeman was arrested for trying to cash in on a Customs officer detained during a recent sweep by asking for money and food from their relatives.
A lance-corporal at the Ayer Molek detention centre allegedly asked for several hundred ringgit and foodstuff for more than a dozen people from a woman several days ago.
The policeman, in his 30s, was said to have demanded the items to allow the wife to meet with her husband, who was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commis-sion (MACC) in connection with the Customs swoop nationwide.
The policeman, upon hearing that the MACC was aware of his demand, surrendered to the commission, which has since started investigations under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009.
The Act provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and maximum fine of RM10,000, or five times the value of the bribe.
Johor MACC director Simi Abdul Ghani confirmed the arrest and said that it was their procedure to place suspects at the Ayer Molek detention centre, as they did not have their own lock-up yet.
Source : The Star
A lance-corporal at the Ayer Molek detention centre allegedly asked for several hundred ringgit and foodstuff for more than a dozen people from a woman several days ago.
The policeman, in his 30s, was said to have demanded the items to allow the wife to meet with her husband, who was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commis-sion (MACC) in connection with the Customs swoop nationwide.
The policeman, upon hearing that the MACC was aware of his demand, surrendered to the commission, which has since started investigations under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009.
The Act provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and maximum fine of RM10,000, or five times the value of the bribe.
Johor MACC director Simi Abdul Ghani confirmed the arrest and said that it was their procedure to place suspects at the Ayer Molek detention centre, as they did not have their own lock-up yet.
Source : The Star
Friday, April 8, 2011
Full surveillance call for MACC interrogation rooms
Community leader and social commentator Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam has appealed to the government to provide enough funds to ensure full surveillance at all Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) interrogation rooms.
He called for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in such rooms and suggested that windows at MACC premises be covered.
There should also be an immediate retraining of interrogation officers on the standard operating procedures, he said when commenting on the death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, whose body was found on a badminton court of the MACC office here on Wednesday.
“The government could win wide public support if it quickly decides to accede to the request of about 75 non-governmental organisation to set up a commission of inquiry, royal or otherwise, to find the truth behind this incident,” he said in a statement Friday.
Navaratnam, a former chairman of the MACC panel on prevention and consultations, disagreed with calls for MACC chief Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed to resign in the wake of the incident.
“Instead, we should give him full support to set matters straight at MACC as soon as possible,” said Navaratnam, suggesting that the MACC should be fully revamped to meet rising expectations of the public for a more efficient and effective service.
Meanwhile, MCA Central Committee member Loh Seng Kok said a careful review was required on how MACC officials conducted the questioning process, if their interrogation methods were deemed harsh.
He wanted the MACC to ensure the safety of witnesses called for questioning.
“Measures must be taken to strengthen and improve the design and construction of MACC office buildings such as installing iron grilles on the glass windows to prevent fatal incidents,” he said in a statement.
Source: Bernama
He called for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in such rooms and suggested that windows at MACC premises be covered.
There should also be an immediate retraining of interrogation officers on the standard operating procedures, he said when commenting on the death of Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, whose body was found on a badminton court of the MACC office here on Wednesday.
“The government could win wide public support if it quickly decides to accede to the request of about 75 non-governmental organisation to set up a commission of inquiry, royal or otherwise, to find the truth behind this incident,” he said in a statement Friday.
Navaratnam, a former chairman of the MACC panel on prevention and consultations, disagreed with calls for MACC chief Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed to resign in the wake of the incident.
“Instead, we should give him full support to set matters straight at MACC as soon as possible,” said Navaratnam, suggesting that the MACC should be fully revamped to meet rising expectations of the public for a more efficient and effective service.
Meanwhile, MCA Central Committee member Loh Seng Kok said a careful review was required on how MACC officials conducted the questioning process, if their interrogation methods were deemed harsh.
He wanted the MACC to ensure the safety of witnesses called for questioning.
“Measures must be taken to strengthen and improve the design and construction of MACC office buildings such as installing iron grilles on the glass windows to prevent fatal incidents,” he said in a statement.
Source: Bernama
Second autopsy done with police present
A second post-mortem was conducted on Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed to ensure that the proper procedures were followed.
The second examination was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre head of forensic unit Professor Dr Shahrom Abdul Wahid in the presence of federal deputy CID director Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
It is learnt that Acryl Sani was not present during the initial post-mortem conducted on Wednesday night as he was away.
Meanwhile, emotions ran high as Ahmad Sarbani’s body was claimed by his family at 4.30pm for burial.
Distraught family: Maziah (left) and relatives leaving Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre after collecting Ahmad Sarbani’s body for burial Thursday.
Hundreds of Customs officers, relatives and friends accompanied the body to the Customs Department Mosque in Kelana Jaya to pay their last respects.
Many had been waiting since early morning for the body, which arrived at the mosque at 5.10pm.
Ahmad Sarbani’s mother, known only as Aishah, fainted as prayers were being recited.
His distraught father, only known as Mohamed had to be escorted out of the mosque by relatives.
The body was taken to the Kota Damansara Muslim cemetery at 5.40pm and he was laid to rest at 6.15pm.
Ahmad Sarbani leaves a wife, Maziah Manaf, and five children.
He worked as a hospital attendant at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital before joining the Customs Department.
At the time of his death, he was a Selangor Customs assistant director.
Some of his colleagues said that they did not believe Ahmad Sarbani could have taken his own life.
One of his colleagues, who declined to be named, said that the deceased was a cheerful and athletic man.
“I was saddened to hear about his death. I stayed up the whole night crying,” she said, adding that she did not believe Ahmad Sarbani would commit suicide.
Source : The Star
The second examination was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre head of forensic unit Professor Dr Shahrom Abdul Wahid in the presence of federal deputy CID director Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
It is learnt that Acryl Sani was not present during the initial post-mortem conducted on Wednesday night as he was away.
Meanwhile, emotions ran high as Ahmad Sarbani’s body was claimed by his family at 4.30pm for burial.
Distraught family: Maziah (left) and relatives leaving Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre after collecting Ahmad Sarbani’s body for burial Thursday.Hundreds of Customs officers, relatives and friends accompanied the body to the Customs Department Mosque in Kelana Jaya to pay their last respects.
Many had been waiting since early morning for the body, which arrived at the mosque at 5.10pm.
Ahmad Sarbani’s mother, known only as Aishah, fainted as prayers were being recited.
His distraught father, only known as Mohamed had to be escorted out of the mosque by relatives.
The body was taken to the Kota Damansara Muslim cemetery at 5.40pm and he was laid to rest at 6.15pm.
Ahmad Sarbani leaves a wife, Maziah Manaf, and five children.
He worked as a hospital attendant at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital before joining the Customs Department.
At the time of his death, he was a Selangor Customs assistant director.
Some of his colleagues said that they did not believe Ahmad Sarbani could have taken his own life.
One of his colleagues, who declined to be named, said that the deceased was a cheerful and athletic man.
“I was saddened to hear about his death. I stayed up the whole night crying,” she said, adding that she did not believe Ahmad Sarbani would commit suicide.
Source : The Star
Thursday, April 7, 2011
PM orders thorough probe into death of Customs officer
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has ordered the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of a senior Customs officer who fell from the MACC office building in Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
He said the investigation would determine what actually happened to Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, 56, who was a state Customs assistant director based in Port Klang.
Ahmad Sarbani was among 63 Customs officers being investigated by the MACC for alleged corruption and graft.
"The report I got is that the deceased had gone to the MACC on his on accord to change his statement. The incident happened not during an investigation," Najib added.
"I hope the investigation on the incident will be comprehensive so that the people will know what actually happened," he told reporters after launching a programme in SMK Santubong, Sarawak, Thursday.
The Prime Minister also defended the MACC's investigations on the Customs department, saying it was to save the country's money.
Asked if a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) would be set up to investigate the matter, Najib said the police and MACC should be allowed to investigate first.
Meanwhile, 73 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called for the immediate setting up of an RCI to investigate the matter.
They also called for MACC investigations director Datuk Mustafar Ali and all officers involved in the case to be suspended immediately.
Source : The Star
He said the investigation would determine what actually happened to Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, 56, who was a state Customs assistant director based in Port Klang.
Ahmad Sarbani was among 63 Customs officers being investigated by the MACC for alleged corruption and graft.
"The report I got is that the deceased had gone to the MACC on his on accord to change his statement. The incident happened not during an investigation," Najib added.
"I hope the investigation on the incident will be comprehensive so that the people will know what actually happened," he told reporters after launching a programme in SMK Santubong, Sarawak, Thursday.
The Prime Minister also defended the MACC's investigations on the Customs department, saying it was to save the country's money.
Asked if a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) would be set up to investigate the matter, Najib said the police and MACC should be allowed to investigate first.
Meanwhile, 73 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called for the immediate setting up of an RCI to investigate the matter.
They also called for MACC investigations director Datuk Mustafar Ali and all officers involved in the case to be suspended immediately.
Source : The Star
Customs officer's death: MACC suspends two
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has suspended two officers, including one who left Selangor Customs assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed unattended before he was found dead on the first floor of the MACC office in Jalan Cochrane here Wednesday.
According to an MACC statement Thursday, the officers were suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the investigations into the death of Ahmad Sarbani.
Sources said the MACC had issued instructions to all its officers nationwide, after the Teoh Beng Hock incident, that all witnesses and suspects, including those having dealings with the MACC, not to be left unattended.
They said the move was to ensure nothing untoward occurred that could cast any doubts on what could have taken place.
(Teoh, who was the political secretary to Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, was taken to the Selangor MACC office on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, for questioning over alleged illegal disbursement of state funds on July 15, 2009. He was found dead at the building's fifth floor service corridor the following day.)
The sources also said the MACC had taken necessary precautions and action, and had installed CCTVs at strategic location inside the building.
The five-storey building in Jalan Cochrane, which was opened in December last year, was equipped with CCTVs but not at the windows or outside.
The sources also said a number of MACC offices nationwide were leased from other government departments and only a few belonged to the MACC.
Ahmad Sarbani, who fell to his death from the third floor, had been released on bail on April 2, after being picked up during the commission's investigation into a syndicate laundering billions of ringgit via tax evasion activities.
His body was found sprawled in an open air badminton court located on the first floor of the building at about 10.20am.
Ahmad Sarbani had gone to the MACC office here on his own accord. Initial findings revealed he had arrived at the building alone on a motorcycle at 8.26am.
Source : The Star
According to an MACC statement Thursday, the officers were suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the investigations into the death of Ahmad Sarbani.
Sources said the MACC had issued instructions to all its officers nationwide, after the Teoh Beng Hock incident, that all witnesses and suspects, including those having dealings with the MACC, not to be left unattended.
They said the move was to ensure nothing untoward occurred that could cast any doubts on what could have taken place.
(Teoh, who was the political secretary to Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, was taken to the Selangor MACC office on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, for questioning over alleged illegal disbursement of state funds on July 15, 2009. He was found dead at the building's fifth floor service corridor the following day.)
The sources also said the MACC had taken necessary precautions and action, and had installed CCTVs at strategic location inside the building.
The five-storey building in Jalan Cochrane, which was opened in December last year, was equipped with CCTVs but not at the windows or outside.
The sources also said a number of MACC offices nationwide were leased from other government departments and only a few belonged to the MACC.
Ahmad Sarbani, who fell to his death from the third floor, had been released on bail on April 2, after being picked up during the commission's investigation into a syndicate laundering billions of ringgit via tax evasion activities.
His body was found sprawled in an open air badminton court located on the first floor of the building at about 10.20am.
Ahmad Sarbani had gone to the MACC office here on his own accord. Initial findings revealed he had arrived at the building alone on a motorcycle at 8.26am.
Source : The Star
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sacked Yayasan Foundation deputy GM claims trial to bribery
The sacked deputy general manager of the state foundation, Yayasan Selangor, has claimed trial at a Sessions Court here to three counts of agreeing to accept bribes totalling RM45,000.
Saifulruddin Sulaiman, 32, was charged with agreeing to accept a RM20,000 bribe from Drift Z Enterprise manager Husni Hirzi Rahim as a remuneration for helping to get the event management company as event manager for the foundation’s controversial 40th anniversary celebrations.
The celebrations, planned for Nov 15, last year did not take place after the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah turned down an invitation to attend as he was unhappy with the way the event was organised.
Not guilty plea: Saifulruddin walking out of the court after claiming trial to graft charges in Shah Alam Tuesday.
It was reported that the state foundation would have spent RM340,000 for a luncheon that the Sultan described as “wasteful and unbeneficial”.
The offence was allegedly committed at Saifulruddin’s house at No. 3, Jalan Platinum 7/43C in Section 7 here at about 8pm on Oct 5, last year.
He also claimed trial to a charge of agreeing to accept a RM20,000 bribe from Husni Hirzi as remuneration for not withholding payment to the same company.
He allegedly committed the offence at his house at about 9pm on Oct 25,last year.
Saifulruddin faces a third charge of agreeing to accept a RM5,000 bribe from Husni Hirzi as an inducement to approve an additional payment for a programme amounting to RM93,982.40 to the same company.
He allegedly committed the offence in front of The Skewers restaurant in Subang Avenue at about 9pm on Nov 11, last year.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kevin Morais offered a RM15,000 bail and informed the court that the prosecution would be calling about 10 witnesses.
Defence counsel Sawmee Ullah Nawzumeah told the court that his client had been unemployed since the incident and was supported by his wife who earned RM1,600 a month as an accountant’s assistant.
He asked for a reduced bail of RM7,000.
Judge Mat Ghani Abdullah set bail at RM10,000 and fixed July 18 for trial.
Source : The Star
Saifulruddin Sulaiman, 32, was charged with agreeing to accept a RM20,000 bribe from Drift Z Enterprise manager Husni Hirzi Rahim as a remuneration for helping to get the event management company as event manager for the foundation’s controversial 40th anniversary celebrations.
The celebrations, planned for Nov 15, last year did not take place after the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah turned down an invitation to attend as he was unhappy with the way the event was organised.
Not guilty plea: Saifulruddin walking out of the court after claiming trial to graft charges in Shah Alam Tuesday.It was reported that the state foundation would have spent RM340,000 for a luncheon that the Sultan described as “wasteful and unbeneficial”.
The offence was allegedly committed at Saifulruddin’s house at No. 3, Jalan Platinum 7/43C in Section 7 here at about 8pm on Oct 5, last year.
He also claimed trial to a charge of agreeing to accept a RM20,000 bribe from Husni Hirzi as remuneration for not withholding payment to the same company.
He allegedly committed the offence at his house at about 9pm on Oct 25,last year.
Saifulruddin faces a third charge of agreeing to accept a RM5,000 bribe from Husni Hirzi as an inducement to approve an additional payment for a programme amounting to RM93,982.40 to the same company.
He allegedly committed the offence in front of The Skewers restaurant in Subang Avenue at about 9pm on Nov 11, last year.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kevin Morais offered a RM15,000 bail and informed the court that the prosecution would be calling about 10 witnesses.
Defence counsel Sawmee Ullah Nawzumeah told the court that his client had been unemployed since the incident and was supported by his wife who earned RM1,600 a month as an accountant’s assistant.
He asked for a reduced bail of RM7,000.
Judge Mat Ghani Abdullah set bail at RM10,000 and fixed July 18 for trial.
Source : The Star
MACC threatened me, says DAP man
A DAP municipal councillor told the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of Teoh Beng Hock that he was threatened and harassed by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com-mission (MACC) officers.
Kajang councillor Tan Boon Wah, who was taken to the Selangor MACC office for questioning on July 15, 2009, said he was threatened with bodily harm and made to worry about his wife and child.
“The officers told me they would bring my wife in and it would result in no one being around to take care of my then five-year-old child,” said Tan.
He said one of the MACC officers had also threatened to bring his daughter to the MACC office to see him cry.
Tan was brought to the state MACC office on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, for questioning on the same day as deceased political aide Teoh, in relation to investigations pertaining to the illegal disbursement of state funds.
Teoh, who was Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah's political secretary, was found dead the following day at the building's fifth floor service corridor.
Tan, who was held at the MACC office for 17 hours from 8.30pm on July 15, 2009 to 1.35pm the following day, said he was made to stand motionless in a dark room, was intimidated with a racial slur and was called stupid.
Tan added that one of the officers, Bulkini Paharuddin, who had picked him up from his Cheras home, accused him of not supplying a consignment of flags ordered by the Seri Kembangan assemblyman's office.
“I told the officers that I had bought the flags and supplied them as required,” said Tan, who had charged Ean Yong's office RM2,400 for the consignment.
Tan added that he was still accused in spite of showing them documents pertaining to the order.
“When I denied the allegation, Bulkini pointed his finger to my nose and gestured as if he wanted to beat me up,” he added.
He said the MACC officers were trying to force him to admit to their allegations to implicate Ean Yong.
“They told me I should admit my guilt if I loved my family and made me swear three times that my family will be ruined in the event I was lying,” he said.
Tan also said he had seen Teoh when he was rushing to the toilet about 2am on July 16.
His head was bowed and he was walking slowly.
“I asked him: You are still here?'
“He just mumbled: Huh',” said Tan.
Meanwhile, Selangor MACC senior assistant enforcement officer Raymond Nion John Timban, who was called after Tan, said he had seen Teoh alive at about 6am on July 16.
Earlier in the day, MACC deputy commissioner of operations Datuk Shukri Abdul said the incident had adversely affected the anti-graft body.
He admitted that there were weaknesses in MACC's system and added it would be corrected.
Shukri also said in the event the commission finds that MACC officers were liable for Teoh's death, necessary action will be instituted against them.
“We will not protect our officers. We want justice for Teoh, his fam-ily, the public and also MACC,” he said.
Source : The Star
Kajang councillor Tan Boon Wah, who was taken to the Selangor MACC office for questioning on July 15, 2009, said he was threatened with bodily harm and made to worry about his wife and child.
“The officers told me they would bring my wife in and it would result in no one being around to take care of my then five-year-old child,” said Tan.
He said one of the MACC officers had also threatened to bring his daughter to the MACC office to see him cry.
Tan was brought to the state MACC office on the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, for questioning on the same day as deceased political aide Teoh, in relation to investigations pertaining to the illegal disbursement of state funds.
Teoh, who was Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah's political secretary, was found dead the following day at the building's fifth floor service corridor.
Tan, who was held at the MACC office for 17 hours from 8.30pm on July 15, 2009 to 1.35pm the following day, said he was made to stand motionless in a dark room, was intimidated with a racial slur and was called stupid.
Tan added that one of the officers, Bulkini Paharuddin, who had picked him up from his Cheras home, accused him of not supplying a consignment of flags ordered by the Seri Kembangan assemblyman's office.
“I told the officers that I had bought the flags and supplied them as required,” said Tan, who had charged Ean Yong's office RM2,400 for the consignment.
Tan added that he was still accused in spite of showing them documents pertaining to the order.
“When I denied the allegation, Bulkini pointed his finger to my nose and gestured as if he wanted to beat me up,” he added.
He said the MACC officers were trying to force him to admit to their allegations to implicate Ean Yong.
“They told me I should admit my guilt if I loved my family and made me swear three times that my family will be ruined in the event I was lying,” he said.
Tan also said he had seen Teoh when he was rushing to the toilet about 2am on July 16.
His head was bowed and he was walking slowly.
“I asked him: You are still here?'
“He just mumbled: Huh',” said Tan.
Meanwhile, Selangor MACC senior assistant enforcement officer Raymond Nion John Timban, who was called after Tan, said he had seen Teoh alive at about 6am on July 16.
Earlier in the day, MACC deputy commissioner of operations Datuk Shukri Abdul said the incident had adversely affected the anti-graft body.
He admitted that there were weaknesses in MACC's system and added it would be corrected.
Shukri also said in the event the commission finds that MACC officers were liable for Teoh's death, necessary action will be instituted against them.
“We will not protect our officers. We want justice for Teoh, his fam-ily, the public and also MACC,” he said.
Source : The Star
Senior Customs officer in graft probe falls to death at MACC building
A senior Customs officer being investigated by the MACC for graft involving unpaid taxes is believed to have fallen to his death from the 3rd floor of the MACC Building in Jalan Cochrane on Wednesday morning.
The MACC has identified the officer as Selangor assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, 56.
MACC director of investigations Datuk Mustafar Ali said Ahmad was among those detained on April 1 in a nationwide operation and released on bail the next day.
He had arrived at the MACC building here alone on a motorbike at 8.26am and asked to see the investigating officer who, however, was at a meeting.
Ahmad waited at the lobby until 9.30am. Then, an officer took him to a room on the third floor and was with him until 10.15am.
The officer then left the room for a few minutes to call the investigating offier.
When he returned, he found Ahmad missing.
Ahmad's body was found lying on the first floor open-air badminton court at 10.20am, Mustafar said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur CPO Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said a special task force has been set up to investigate the case, which has been classified as sudden death.
He said the body has been sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur for a post mortem, and urged people not to speculate.
MACC'S STATEMENT ON THE INCIDENT
KUALA LUMPUR: Pada hari ini, 6 April 2011 diantara jam 10.15 pagi hingga jam 10.20 pagi satu kejadian telah berlaku di bangunan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur dimana seorang individu telah ditemui meninggal dunia.
Individu yang ditemui meninggal dunia ini dikenal pasti sebagai Ahmad Sarbani bin Mohamed, berumur 56 tahun, seorang Penolong Pengarah Kastam daripada Jabatan Kastam DiRaja Malaysia, Selangor.
SPRM mengesahkan bahawa penama berkenaan adalah diantara pegawai Kastam yang telah ditahan pada 1 April 2011 jam 1.00 tengahari di Pejabat Kastam Pelabuhan Utara, Pelabuhan Kelang. Penama tersebut setelah membantu dalam siasatan yang melibatkan operasi 3B iaitu satu siasatan berkaitan kesalahan di bawah Akta Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia 2009, telah dilepaskan melalui jaminan pada hari Sabtu 2 April 2011 jam 12.30 tengahari. Penama tersebut telah pun meninggalkan pejabat SPRM Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur selepas dilepaskan melalui jaminan tersebut.
Pada hari ini, Rabu 6 April 2011 jam 8.26 pagi, penama berkenaan telah datang ke Pejabat SPRM Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur bersendirian dengan menunggang sebuah motorsikal. Penama ini telah meminta untuk berjumpa dengan pegawai penyiasat bagi berbincang mengenai kes terhadapnya. Oleh kerana pegawai-pegawai sedang bermesyuarat maka penama berkenaan telah menunggu di lobi pejabat sehingga jam 9.30 pagi.
Penama tersebut kemudian telah diiringi oleh seorang pegawai ke bilik pejabatnya untuk mendapatkan pegawai penyiasat menemui penama tersebut. Pegawai yang mengiringi penama tersebut telah berada bersamanya dalam bilik pejabat pegawai berkenaan.
Pada jam lebih kurang 10.15 pagi, pegawai yang mengiringi beliau telah meninggalkan penama tersebut di pejabatnya dan keluar sebentar pergi mendapatkan pegawai penyiasat. Dalam beberapa minit kemudian, pegawai tersebut telah kembali ke pejabatnya dan mendapati penama berkenaan tiada dalam bilik berkaitan.
Setelah mencari dalam kawasan pejabat, seorang pegawai telah terlihat satu tubuh manusia terlantar di tingkat 1 bangunan pejabat ini.
SPRM telah pun memaklumkan kejadian ini kepada keluarga simati dan pihak pengurusan jabatannya serta menyerahkan perkara ini kepada pihak Polis untuk mengambil sebarang tindakan.
Source : The Star
The MACC has identified the officer as Selangor assistant director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed, 56.
MACC director of investigations Datuk Mustafar Ali said Ahmad was among those detained on April 1 in a nationwide operation and released on bail the next day.
He had arrived at the MACC building here alone on a motorbike at 8.26am and asked to see the investigating officer who, however, was at a meeting.
Ahmad waited at the lobby until 9.30am. Then, an officer took him to a room on the third floor and was with him until 10.15am.
The officer then left the room for a few minutes to call the investigating offier.
When he returned, he found Ahmad missing.
Ahmad's body was found lying on the first floor open-air badminton court at 10.20am, Mustafar said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur CPO Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said a special task force has been set up to investigate the case, which has been classified as sudden death.
He said the body has been sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur for a post mortem, and urged people not to speculate.
MACC'S STATEMENT ON THE INCIDENT
KUALA LUMPUR: Pada hari ini, 6 April 2011 diantara jam 10.15 pagi hingga jam 10.20 pagi satu kejadian telah berlaku di bangunan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur dimana seorang individu telah ditemui meninggal dunia.
Individu yang ditemui meninggal dunia ini dikenal pasti sebagai Ahmad Sarbani bin Mohamed, berumur 56 tahun, seorang Penolong Pengarah Kastam daripada Jabatan Kastam DiRaja Malaysia, Selangor.
SPRM mengesahkan bahawa penama berkenaan adalah diantara pegawai Kastam yang telah ditahan pada 1 April 2011 jam 1.00 tengahari di Pejabat Kastam Pelabuhan Utara, Pelabuhan Kelang. Penama tersebut setelah membantu dalam siasatan yang melibatkan operasi 3B iaitu satu siasatan berkaitan kesalahan di bawah Akta Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia 2009, telah dilepaskan melalui jaminan pada hari Sabtu 2 April 2011 jam 12.30 tengahari. Penama tersebut telah pun meninggalkan pejabat SPRM Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur selepas dilepaskan melalui jaminan tersebut.
Pada hari ini, Rabu 6 April 2011 jam 8.26 pagi, penama berkenaan telah datang ke Pejabat SPRM Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur bersendirian dengan menunggang sebuah motorsikal. Penama ini telah meminta untuk berjumpa dengan pegawai penyiasat bagi berbincang mengenai kes terhadapnya. Oleh kerana pegawai-pegawai sedang bermesyuarat maka penama berkenaan telah menunggu di lobi pejabat sehingga jam 9.30 pagi.
Penama tersebut kemudian telah diiringi oleh seorang pegawai ke bilik pejabatnya untuk mendapatkan pegawai penyiasat menemui penama tersebut. Pegawai yang mengiringi penama tersebut telah berada bersamanya dalam bilik pejabat pegawai berkenaan.
Pada jam lebih kurang 10.15 pagi, pegawai yang mengiringi beliau telah meninggalkan penama tersebut di pejabatnya dan keluar sebentar pergi mendapatkan pegawai penyiasat. Dalam beberapa minit kemudian, pegawai tersebut telah kembali ke pejabatnya dan mendapati penama berkenaan tiada dalam bilik berkaitan.
Setelah mencari dalam kawasan pejabat, seorang pegawai telah terlihat satu tubuh manusia terlantar di tingkat 1 bangunan pejabat ini.
SPRM telah pun memaklumkan kejadian ini kepada keluarga simati dan pihak pengurusan jabatannya serta menyerahkan perkara ini kepada pihak Polis untuk mengambil sebarang tindakan.
Source : The Star
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Customs dept couple released after MACC probe
The husband-and-wife top officers in the Pahang Customs Department who are suspects in alleged money-laundering and tax evasion activities involving billions of ringgit, have been released unconditionally since their remand to assist investigations.
The man was released yesterday. His wife was freed on Friday.
The lawyer for the 51-year-old officer said magistrate Nordiana Abdul Aziz had ordered the suspect to be released after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) told the court that they had completed their investigations on him.
The MACC will be submitting the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further instructions.
The couple were detained on March 28 following a raid on their house where several hundred thousand ringgit in cash was seized.
The raid was part of a joint operation conducted in Penang, Johor, Selangor and Pahang by a special task force which comprised the Commission, the Inland Revenue Board, the Customs Department and Bank Negara.
Source : The Star
The man was released yesterday. His wife was freed on Friday.
The lawyer for the 51-year-old officer said magistrate Nordiana Abdul Aziz had ordered the suspect to be released after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) told the court that they had completed their investigations on him.
The MACC will be submitting the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further instructions.
The couple were detained on March 28 following a raid on their house where several hundred thousand ringgit in cash was seized.
The raid was part of a joint operation conducted in Penang, Johor, Selangor and Pahang by a special task force which comprised the Commission, the Inland Revenue Board, the Customs Department and Bank Negara.
Source : The Star
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Over 60 customs officers arrested by MACC
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has seized millions of ringgit from at least five of the 62 customs officers arrested to date.
MACC director of investigations Datuk Mustafar Ali said one officer, a director, had several millions in his account while another had almost RM1mil in his bank account.
He said two others had more than RM500,000 in their accounts.
“Our officers even found gold bars stashed in the house of one of the officers while another had more than RM600, 000 in several bags in his house during the raid on his house," he told reporters in a press conference at the MACC headquarters here Saturday.
Mustafar added that two imitation pistols with more than 200 rounds of bullet as well as fireworks and illicit cigarettes were also recovered from another senior custom officer's house.
It is learnt that nine of the 62 arrested to assist investigations are women. All 62 are aged between 24 and 56.
Mustafar said several officers had also admitted to collecting money ranging from between RM100 to RM500 for every customs declaration K1 forms (for import purpose) submitted and approved.
He said investigations were still on going and that more people would be picked up to assist in investigations.
To a question he said Port Klang was the most corrupted place with more than 40 officers arrested.
Source - The Star
MACC director of investigations Datuk Mustafar Ali said one officer, a director, had several millions in his account while another had almost RM1mil in his bank account.
He said two others had more than RM500,000 in their accounts.
“Our officers even found gold bars stashed in the house of one of the officers while another had more than RM600, 000 in several bags in his house during the raid on his house," he told reporters in a press conference at the MACC headquarters here Saturday.
Mustafar added that two imitation pistols with more than 200 rounds of bullet as well as fireworks and illicit cigarettes were also recovered from another senior custom officer's house.
It is learnt that nine of the 62 arrested to assist investigations are women. All 62 are aged between 24 and 56.
Mustafar said several officers had also admitted to collecting money ranging from between RM100 to RM500 for every customs declaration K1 forms (for import purpose) submitted and approved.
He said investigations were still on going and that more people would be picked up to assist in investigations.
To a question he said Port Klang was the most corrupted place with more than 40 officers arrested.
Source - The Star
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)