Tengku Zafrul questioned by MACC

Former finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has been questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), MalaysiaNow has learnt.

It is believed that Zafrul, who is the current international trade and industry minister, was called in yesterday as part of an investigation linked to contracts awarded under JanaWibawa, a post-Covid programme to help highly rated Bumiputera contractors affected by the pandemic.

This comes several days after former prime minister and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin also had his statement recorded by MACC.

Muhyiddin, who is the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, has repeatedly denied the wrongdoings alleged by PKR and Umno leaders including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, saying investigations will show that Bersatu's finances are in order.

A main goal of JanaWibawa was to speed up the approval of projects to reverse the impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns on the building sector.

Last week, MalaysiaNow reported that in 2020, the finance ministry, then helmed by Zafrul, had suggested that companies bidding for projects under JanaWibawa be vetted by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The suggestion was however rejected by Muhyiddin, who said it was not proper for the PMO to evaluate companies, and instructed the finance ministry to continue vetting those vying for government contracts.