KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 — A nephew of Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has been arrested by graft-busters for alleged involvement in illegal sand mining, the state government acknowledged today.
It is understood that Azmin’s nephew was among four people who have since been remanded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Yin Shao Loong, strategic communications director from the Selangor Mentri Besar’s Office, said the state government did not dispute the MACC’s prerogative to investigate, but was curious how the information was leaked online with such detail even before the arrests were made.
“This administration has been informed that one of those arrested by the MACC over allegations of involvement in illegal sand mining activities is the nephew of the Selangor mentri besar,” he said in a statement.
Yin said the Selangor government welcomed a professional and transparent probe into the matter, and urged that the matter not be used as political fodder.
“The Selangor government holds steadfast to the principle of transparency in all its dealings to ensure the needs of the people and the state are prioritised,” he added.
The four men were remanded for seven days until December 6.
It is understood that those arrested are two company directors, an advertising company’s worker, and a site manager.
The MACC also froze RM4 million belonging to a company following the arrests.
