Wednesday July 30, 2008

ACA probing Monsoon Cup

By R.S.N. MURALI

KUALA TERENGGANU: The state Anti-Corruption Agency is carrying out investigations on the Monsoon Cup and the Islamic Civilisation Park.

State ACA director Sharudin Sapian said the probe into both projects began a month ago and was initiated on its own initiative.

“Preliminary investigation revealed there was no element of bribery involved in both the projects,” he said when contacted here yesterday.

However, he said the ACA would probe the matter with the latest allegations against the two projects.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said had earlier called on the ACA to investigate the two projects instead of just focusing on the high maintenance cost of the state's fleet of Proton Perdana V6 Executives.

He, however, did not give reasons why investigations should be done.

“We urge everyone including the Mentri Besar (Datuk Ahmad Said) to help us in the investigation so that ACA can conduct the probe smoothly,” he said.

He added that the agency would meet Ahmad once he returned from performing his umrah.

Earlier during a press conference here, Sharudin said the probe would be carried out according to normal procedures.

“If there is any basis to the reports, we have no qualms in promptly executing our duties. We are responsive and will not be selective in our investigations,” he said.

Yesterday, state PAS Youth leader Azman Shapawi Abdul Rani and Terengganu PKR Youth chief Fariz Musa lodged reports at the state ACA office and called the agency to expedite its investigations.

Azman lodged the report at 10.30am and Fariz at 3pm yesterday.

In his statement, Azman said the ACA should investigate the projects based on Ahmad's call to the management of the Monsoon Cup and the company responsible for the construction of the park in Pulau Duyong.

Fariz in his report asked the ACA to investigate the alleged corruption involving a senior politician involved in a new town project.

The ACA has arrested five people including two workshop managers, to facilitate investigations into the alleged high maintenance cost of the Proton Perdanas which were used by the state executive council members.

The five are expected to be charged in court soon.

Sharudin said to date 20 people have had their statements recorded. He said ACA would not hesitate to summon the state exco members to help in the probe.