KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has urged public agencies not to act as intermediaries or “barua” (stooges) who serve the political and personal interests of any party.
The Kedah menteri besar asserted that certain groups are making plots to harm those who do not align with their interests, merely for personal gain.
Without revealing the parties involved, Sanusi said that these groups may exploit public agencies to achieve their objectives.
“I see this as a series of plots with no constructive intentions, just exploiting public agencies for personal gain, aiming to impress those who are not aligned (with me),” Sanusi told a press conference earlier today.
Sanusi was addressing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) move to remand four individuals, including Kedah Football Association (KFA) chief executive officer Zulkifli Che Haron.
The menteri besar questioned the origin of the alleged RM6 million involved in cases of soliciting and accepting bribes.
The funds were supposedly linked to securing a tender for a race track construction project and managing water reservoir plants in Kedah.
In defending Zulkifli, Sanusi insisted that the accusations were false. He said that Zulkifli, with a modest salary of RM5,000, helped KFA cover debts amounting to RM26 million.
“The allegation is baseless. I instructed the CEO to work there with RM5,000 salary. The debt was RM26 million, yet he diligently worked to settle players’ wages.
“Where did the RM6 million come from, considering the debt was RM26 million?” Sanusi asked.
Expanding on the corruption allegations, Sanusi alleged that a large company aimed to lobby for the continuation of the water treatment concession through a donation to KFA.
He said KFA’s funding sources include contributions from the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and sports fans.
“Receiving donations is legitimate. If the money goes into the KFA account, what is wrong with that?
“Who is involved in bribery? I know these four individuals well,” Sanusi said. – January 7, 2024