PUTRAJAYA, June 1 — An editorial department assistant manager of an English daily was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged graft on Monday.

The 54-year-old suspect, was believed to have demanded and received bribes to close investigation cases from his potential victims who were being investigated by the MACC.

Investigations showed the suspect had allegedly solicited RM70,000 from one VIP, claiming he would be able to resolve the VIP’s case.

Graft busters made the arrest at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur and seized RM20,000 from the suspect around 9.30pm.

It was understood the suspect would tell his victims of his inside contacts within MACC and had the means to conclude cases under the commission’s investigations.

A source said the suspect had been doing this for a few years and he would approach his victims whenever he got wind that they were being probed.

MACC deputy director (operations) Azam Baki said they viewed the matter seriously as it was not the first time such an incident occurred.

"In the past we have taken action against these individuals for using MACC’s name to solicit bribes as it tarnished MACC’s reputation,” he said.

The suspect has been remanded for six days until June 5 after majistrate Nik Isfahanie Tasnim Wan Ab Rahman granted the order at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court.