MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said his team has taken note of the information and would consider whether there is a basis for an investigation.

“If the allegation is substantiated, we will conduct further investigation. For now, we will wait and see,” he told reporters here.

The allegation about the late approval of the project, allegedly awarded to an Umno-linked company, was made by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli earlier this week.

In response, environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man sent a demand letter to Rafizi calling for a public apology. He also challenged Rafizi to lodge a report with the MACC.

Azam said MACC had not decided if Rafizi would be summoned to have his statement recorded.

“I cannot make a decision now because as far as I know the denial has already been issued by Tuan Ibrahim and a demand letter has already been sent to Rafizi.

“However, we welcome Rafizi or any party to come forward and channel information because this is our duty. If there is a basis to conduct an investigation, we will do it,” he said.

Tuan Ibrahim said that he was prepared to cooperate with the MACC and police if called to give a statement.

“The project is a government plan which has been approved by the Finance Ministry. The letter of acceptance has not been issued, and no company can claim that it owns the project,” he said.

“If it is true that there is abuse of power or corruption, please lodge a report with the MACC and police to enable an investigation to be carried out,” he added.