Kota Kinabalu: A Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) spokesman confirmed to Daily Express that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had visited the campus in connection with allegations of false claims involving contracts worth RM43 million.He would not confirm if any files were taken by the officers except that UMS would provide full co-operation to the MACC in its investigations.
The investigations are in connection with false claims for mechanical and electrical maintenance work at the university.
It was reported in a national daily that a 41-year-old Sabah politician, who is a Datuk and an Umno division deputy chief, had fled the State upon learning that his office was raided over the false claims.
The report quoted a UMS department director as also being investigated and his office was raided as well by MACC officers.
He was also reported to have fled the State.
The two men allegedly made false claims although no work was done since the contract was awarded 36 months ago. MACC investigations revealed that false claims were also uncovered involving the UMS campus in Labuan.
When contacted, Penampang Umno Chief Datuk John Ambrose denied he is the Sabahan politician reportedly sought by the MACC.
Ambrose, who is also KDM Malaysia President, said it certainly wasn't him as he is over 50 and an Umno division chief.
Daily Express wanted to contact KDM Malaysia Vice President-cum-Treasurer Datuk Peter Anthony for confirmation on the matter, but he could not be reached and is believed to be in KL. It was learnt that Peter has a contract with the institution although not certain for which and how much.
"The report did not state any names and nobody from MACC has contacted me," Ambrose said, adding he was also in Kuala Lumpur.
Ambrose also did not say whether he was in any way involved with Peter in any UMS contract.
Early last year, UMS contracts were the subject of police reports lodged by unhappy contractors against a UMS Department head over conflict of interest, among others.
On the whole, UMS is allocated between RM600 and RM800 million to manage its affairs and the contracts are for various matters, including landscaping and mechanical and electrical maintenance work.
The MACC is said to have recorded statements from several witnesses in the case, including the university staff.
"The Datuk is said to have been interfering in the management of the university and allegedly benefited from it," it was reported.
The report also said the authorities knew the men's whereabouts and wanted them to give themselves up or face arrest.
