KOTA KINABALU, Oct 19 ― Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said today he will cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in their probe into the misappropriation of rural development funds in Sabah involving RM1.5 billion.
The Semporna MP said he will give full support to the MACC to help them in their investigations as it is the process of the law.
“It’s important that we do not obstruct any law. I know the MACC is doing their job,” the Parti Warisan Sabah president said when met at his home along Jalan Bundusan, here.
“I am seeing them with a clear heart and mind and not afraid to answer any questions to the best of my knowledge but I ask that I be fairly treated,” he said.
Shafie said he was “saddened” and “appalled” by the arrest of his younger brothers Datuk Yusof Apdal and Hamid Apdal.
“As the elder brother .. it has gone overboard, it is below the belt,” he said.
When asked whether he thought the arrests and investigation was politically motivated, Shafie said it was too soon to speculate but alluded that it was possible.
“We’ll see how it goes. Election is coming soon.
“Whatever it is, they have their ways and means in doing things. We will give our cooperation. I know MACC will do their work, and I hope it will be done well,” he said.
Earlier, Shafie arrived in Kota Kinabalu after receiving a call from MACC last night to show up and give his statement.
Shafie, a former Umno vice-president was sacked from the federal Cabinet in 2015 following his criticism of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad investment firm and soon after started Parti Warisan in Sabah with the aim of toppling the state government.
His questioning by the MACC comes as no surprise as the investigators have honed in on RM1.5 billion worth of projects under his former Rural and Regional Development Ministry from 2009 to 2015, while he was minister.
Yusof Apdal, 57, who is also Lahad Datu assemblyman and Hamid, 52, as well as other party leaders have already been hauled up and arrested along with other party aides. Yusof is currently being detained while Hamid was released today.
