Director, Deputy suspended
Published on: Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: The director and deputy director of Sabah Water Department have been suspended from work, according to State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman.The duo were earlier held by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to facilitate investigations into a power abuse and corruption case involving infrastructure projects worth RM3.3 billion but have since been released on bail.Sukarti said the notices of suspension on the two senior officers were issued by the State Public Service Commission. ADVERTISEMENT "The suspension for the director and deputy director is effective as of Oct 5th and 4th of this year respectively, the dates when the suspects were arrested," he said in a statement.Under the suspension, both the suspects are prohibited from entering the department's office or the premises of any other department in Sabah."The suspects are also not allowed to leave the state during this period of the investigation," he added.The director was released from remand Sunday on a RM500,000 undeposited bail with two sureties.ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, the Deputy Director his "Datuk" businessman brother and the latter's accountant were also released on bail after a two-week remand to facilitate investigations.Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie made the order after their remand order expired on Monday.
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According to Investigating Officer Mohd Faliq Basiruddin from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) the deputy director and his brother were released on a MACC bail of RM500,000, undeposited, in two local sureties each.The accountant was released on a bail of RM50,000 in two local sureties. The trio were ordered to report to the MACC office every month.Counsel Roland Cheng acted for the Deputy Director, counsel Datuk Chau Chin Tang for the businessman and counsel Peter Marajin for the accountant. A source from MACC said the trio would be recalled to assist in the investigation anytime if needed."We will complete the investigation papers as soon as possible and forward them to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action," the source said.The Director and his Deputy aged 54 and 51 are suspected of monopolising projects valued at more than RM3.3 billion under the purview of their department since 2010 by giving them to relatives.They are believed to have amassed more than RM50 million in wealth.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Last Thursday, a former Deputy Director of the department was pulled in as the fifth suspect. He was remanded for six days.With investigations continuing into the scandal, so far 82 witnesses have been pulled up for questioning.