Federal agency chairman set to face corruption charge over Penang land sale

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 14 — The head of a federal government-linked agency is due to be charged tomorrow at the Sessions Court here with corruption.

The man, who is in his 50s, will reportedly face a charge under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. It relates to the alleged sale of government land in Penang for less than its market value, The Star reported.

He was among five suspects held by the MACC on Aug 21, when a court granted a four-day remand so investigators could take their statements. The other four are two company directors, a technical manager and a female clerk. It is not known whether they will be charged alongside him.

The MACC earlier said the arrests concerned alleged abuse of power in the disposal of land owned by a government agency under a ministry in Penang.

The chairman is alleged to have used his position, when he was the agency's deputy chairman and a board member, to approve the sale of eight plots in South Seberang Perai in 2015. The land was allegedly sold to a company believed to be owned by an associate of his.

He is also alleged to have helped approve the sale at prices below market value, causing estimated losses of about RM1.96 million.

The suspect is also a state leader of a political party and stood in the last general election.