KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained two men, including a senior official – a Datuk – in connection with the misappropriation of RM400,000 in government funds.
A four-day remand order until Sept 13 has been issued for the 'Datuk', who is in his 50s.
Another male suspect, in his 30s, has been remanded for two days, until Sept 11.
Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted the orders following MACC's request at the Putrajaya magistrates' court this morning.
A third suspect, in his 40s, also a public servant, was detained but released on bail.
According to sources, the main suspect is a division secretary who oversees a government agency.
The other two suspects are the official's special assistant and driver.
All three were detained while giving statements at the MACC office in Putrajaya.
"The primary suspect is believed to have submitted a proposal for funding, which was then allocated to a related government agency," a source said.
"He is also suspected of colluding with insiders at the agency to withdraw the funds in cash, totalling hundreds of thousands of ringgit, which were allegedly used for personal expenses."
MACC chief, Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, confirmed the arrests and said the case was being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.