The bank accounts of opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and his family members have reportedly been frozen by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
Sources suggest that this action is part of an ongoing investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into the connection between Bersatu's secretary-general and a corruption case involving businessman Datuk Seri Sim Choo Thiam, which amounts to RM15 million.
Back in June, media reports emerged of a raid on Hamzah's residence in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, conducted by the IRB due to undisclosed tax matters.
Before this incident, Hamzah had confirmed being summoned to the MACC to provide a statement about a case in the Kuala Lumpur sessions court. He asserted that the charges against the businessman, which implicated him, were an attempt to tarnish his reputation and that of Perikatan Nasional (PN).
On Aug 11, it was reported that Hamzah had issued a letter of demand to the government and MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki in response to the allegations linking him to the corruption case.
Based on the four corruption charges filed in May, the 63-year-old Choo was accused of soliciting and facing three charges of accepting bribes totaling RM15 million between June and July 30, 2021.
These bribes were intended to induce Hamzah, who held the position of Home Affairs Minister at the time, to facilitate Asia Coding Centre Sdn Bhd in obtaining projects from agencies under the relevant ministry.