Bandar Tun Razak division head Rizalman Mokhtar said the investigations and arrest carried out by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would help improve the public’s trust in Felda.
“It also shows that the government is serious in handling corruption cases,” he told FMT.
He was commenting on Isa’s arrest by anti-graft authorities in connection with two hotels purchased by Felda subsidiary Felda Investment Corporation (FIC).
Rizalman said although Isa was not charged with any wrongdoing, the agency might still have a strong case to probe.
He added that Isa should resign as acting Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman based on moral grounds.
“On moral grounds, he should resign from his post,” he said.
Cheras Umno division leader Syed Ali Alhabshee said the arrest showed the authorities were doing their job.
“As far as improvement is concerned, any wrongdoing being brought to justice sends a very clear message that we under the current government take these things seriously,” he told FMT.
Umno Subang division head Zein Isma added that the questioning by MACC was part of a normal process.
“It is a normal process to call those who are involved, especially Tan Sri as he was also the chairman of the board.
“They will interrogate many people. It is a process of gathering facts.”
Zein said the arrest showed that the government was sincere in fighting corruption, which had resulted in many political leaders being questioned by MACC.
Meanwhile, former SPAD chairman Syed Hamid Albar said he would comment on the matter once the probe is over.
A source had confirmed Isa’s arrest today, saying he was detained over FIC’s purchase of two hotels between 2014 and 2015, one in London and another in Sarawak.
MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Azam Baki also confirmed the arrest, adding that it was a follow-up to earlier statements recorded over the purchase.
Isa quit his role as FGV chairman in June after meeting with Prime Minister Najib Razak. He was later appointed as acting chairman of SPAD.