KANGAR: Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli says his son, who is currently under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should bear the consequences if found guilty.
"This is a trial I am facing, and if my son is found guilty, he should be punished because I have provided education and knowledge, including to my staff, where I always advise on this matter, and if they are involved as well, I have done my best.
He said he did not feel distressed by the situation and did not harbor any suspicion towards the MACC until their investigation is complete," he said during his speech at the state assembly today.
Shukri acknowledged his shortcomings in state administration due to being too trusting and lenient.
"Indeed, my weakness in administration is being too trusting and lenient, but it must be remembered that no one is above the law, including myself.
"Furthermore, one of those being investigated is my son, and on the morning the MACC came, they searched my house (in Sungai Padang), then the Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti) where I take care of children, and then took my son away for remand.
"In this matter, I reiterate once again that I am open, as in my previous state legislative assembly session speech, I mentioned that my office is open '25 hours' a day for any MACC inspection because I do not want any misconduct, and let it remain clean from any wrongdoing," he said.
Shukri also said that the MACC is currently conducting inspections at every State Assembly service center in Perlis.
"I understand they (MACC) have been to Kuala Perlis and may go elsewhere after this, who knows. It's okay, we will continue to welcome them (MACC), and it is hoped that after this, such incidents will not occur again in this state," he added.
Earlier, the magistrate's court here has granted a one-day remand extension against the son of Perlis Menteri Besar and four others detained for probe over a false claim involving RM60,000.
Magistrate Ana Rozana Mohd Nor granted the remand extension requested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) team from Putrajaya this morning after their initial remand order expired today.
An MACC source said one suspect attached to the State Secretary office as a technician assistant in his 20s, was released today.
Yesterday, it was reported that the son of Perlis Menteri Besar, who is also the son-in-law to Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, were among six individuals remanded by MACC to facilitate investigation into a document forgery in submitting a false claim amounting to RM600,000.
It involved infrastructure projects such as repairs, maintenance, supply and services all over Perlis from 2022 until recently, which mostly involved false claims for jobs that were not delivered.