According to a source, MACC is conducting the probe after receiving a report from contractors who were allegedly promised projects in the state if they channelled funds to a football association.
“Based on the investigation, there are key individuals in the state government and the football association who promised to award construction and service projects in return for contributions from the contractors,” said the source.
“However, these contractors did not receive any projects after channelling the funds to the football association’s account.”
The source said that the contractors involved reported the matter to the MACC after failing to secure the projects.
MACC investigation division senior director Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed that MACC will summon the menteri besar for further clarification.
On Saturday, Kedah FA vice-president Radhi Mat Din confirmed that its CEO, Zulkifli Che Haron, was among four men detained in an investigation into a corruption case involving RM6 million in 2020.
The RM6 million was reportedly given as a kickback to allow a company owner to obtain a tender to build a racetrack, and another project to operate and maintain five water reservoir plants in the state.
All four were released on bail on Sunday after giving their statements to the MACC.
The Kedah FA maintained that it had nothing to do with any state government project, pointing out that the association’s every decision must be decided by its executive council.
Yesterday, Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor said he was the real “target” of the MACC’s investigation.
Sanusi, who is also Kedah FA president, claimed those detained in the corruption case were merely “accessories” as “they” really wanted to link him to the corruption case.
However, he did not specify who “they” were.
He added that the case was made up simply to create the perception that corruption was prevalent in Kedah, and that even its football association was involved.
Nevertheless, Sanusi said he was ready to cooperate with the MACC if he was called to help in the investigation.
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