PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has recorded statements from 14 people and inspected 10 premises as part of its probe into the Football Association of Malaysia’s plans to build a national training centre costing RM25 million.
A source told Sinar Harian no irregularities or elements of corruption have been found thus far, adding that the investigation is almost complete and its results will be submitted to MACC’s legal and prosecution division for review.
The source said MACC’s investigation into the project in Putrajaya found that it was funded by world football governing body Fifa, with seven contractors invited to take part in the tender.
“Three companies were shortlisted based on their capabilities and bids in accordance with Fifa’s specifications,” said the source.
“The three companies were presented to Fifa during a meeting on April 8, which selected (the successful) company to implement the project.”
FAM is currently preparing the contract agreement based on Fifa’s selection.
MACC’s deputy chief commissioner Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the matter when contacted by Sinar Harian.
Last week, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the anti-graft agency was investigating FAM following a poison-pen letter which contained numerous allegations against the national football body.
Last month, a poison-pen letter accused FAM of fraud, abuse of power, mismanaging funds, discrepancies in salaries and benefits, issues with the Harimau Malaya squad, and the lack of transparency in the tender process for the national training centre in Putrajaya.
Azam said the agency was only investigating matters related to the national training centre and would not look into allegations about FAM’s administration.
FAM president Hamidin Amin previously dismissed the poison-pen letter as “defamatory”, and said the association was considering lodging a police report.
.jpg){kind=logo}
