KUALA LUMPUR: Former Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin has denied a message that went viral, accusing him of approving J-Qaf books printing for pre-school through direct negotiation amounting RM80 million.
He said the allegation that his wife acted as a proxy through a company called ATR One & Only Enterprise, and that she was a royal with the title of Tengku were untrue.
"I would like to emphasise that the accusations in the viral message linking me and my wife to J-Qaf book printing for preschool is not true at all.
"My wife is also not from a royal family and she has no connection or interest in the company mentioned in the viral message," he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
Radzi also affirmed that he had never asked or accepted any bribe or kickback from anyone.
Radzi also confirmed in the same statement that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested his former political secretary.
"The arrest was made on the grounds that I was involved in this matter and based on a WhatsApp message that went viral on social media.
"It was clear that the MACC acted on the instructions of those on top, following my statement in parliament on Tuesday (Sept 19).
"It was also clear that the viral message is being used solely to tarnish my reputation and to oppress my innocent ex-officer."
Radzi added that such viral and slanderous messages should not be the basis of an investigation without any solid evidence.
"This, especially if the statement was reckless accusations made by someone."
He said he would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone republishing malicious accusations on the matter, which he said were not true.
Earlier today, it was reported that two individuals including a former political secretary have been remanded for soliciting and accepting bribes in return for approving a book printing project worth approximately RM80 million involving a ministry through direct negotiation.
A source said the former political secretary in his 20s and the second suspect who is a company owner in his late 50s were detained yesterday around 11pm at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.