Citing an MACC investigation into alleged revenue misappropriation from REE mining last year, Azam said having guidelines in place would prevent such misconduct and limit the potential for corruption.
“This recommendation is based on my observations and experience,” he told reporters after an event here today.
“SOPs are necessary because without them, anyone can mine (for REE) without permission. That is theft.”
Last year, MACC investigated a RM13 million REE mining project in Kedah. Statements were recorded from from 12 people, including officials from Kedah Menteri Besar Inc (MBI),
Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor, who also had his statement taken, denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that the REE exploration was mooted by his predecessor, with a Chinese investor spending RM30 million for that purpose.
Sanusi’s former political secretary, Hilmi Wahab, was charged with receiving RM400,000 in bribes from companies wanting to obtain mining and exploration permits from the state government. He claimed trial.
Last year, natural resources, environment and climate change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the minerals and geoscience department has found 16.1 million tonnes of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) in Malaysia with a market value of RM809.6 billion.
In a written parliamentary reply to Perikatan Nasional’s Kemaman MP, Che Alias Hamid, Nik Nazmi said the department had identified 29 areas with strategic potential for NR-REE in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Sarawak, Selangor and Terengganu.
MACC still probing 1BestariNet
Azam said he could not comment on MACC’s investigation into 1BestariNet, a high-speed internet project offering virtual learning platforms for all government schools.
“Give it some time. I am constantly monitoring this investigation. I don’t think it’s time to announce anything yet,” he said.
Last month, MACC raided the Kuala Lumpur office of YTL Communications and a government office as part of its investigation into payment claims related to the 1BestariNet service tender.
It was learnt that the investigation is centred on claims involving false details related to RM2.7 billion in payments, as well as other criminal elements under the MACC Act 2009.
Azam previously said former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who initiated the project in 2011 when he was the education minister, would be called in “just like others who were involved in the project”.