Isa Samad gives statement from Sungai Buloh Prison as MACC widens Felda probe

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 19 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is recording former Felda chairman Datuk Isa Samad’s statement at Sungai Buloh Prison as part of investigations into Felda and its subsidiary, Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC).

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said investigators began recording Isa’s statement on September 17 and continued yesterday, adding that the process is expected to continue for another three or four days, The New Straits Times reported.

“So far, his statement has been recorded for two full days.

“It will continue on Monday and we expect the process of recording the former Felda chairman’s statement to be completed by Thursday,” he told a press conference after launching the MACC Shooting Programme with the media at Kajang Prison College today.

The statement is being recorded as MACC intensifies investigations into seven cases involving the purchase or investment in assets by Felda and FIC between 2010 and 2020.

Six new investigation papers were opened on August 24, while another earlier investigation has been revived, according to MACC.

Abd Halim said 34 witnesses had so far been called to give statements in connection with the seven investigations, including former Felda and FIC board members, management personnel, government officials, land office representatives, independent valuers and lawyers.

Two people – a former Felda director-general and former FIC chief executive officer – were also detained earlier this month in connection with the wider investigation and subsequently released on MACC bail.

Abd Halim said investigators were examining suspected elements of corruption, misappropriation and abuse of power involving asset purchases allegedly made above their valuation.

The MACC had previously said the investigations under Op Fella covered asset purchases and investments involving Felda and FIC between 2010 and 2020.

“Those questioned included former members of the Felda and FIC boards of directors, former management personnel from both entities, as well as individuals from government agencies and the private sector,” he said.

Isa is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after the Federal Court reinstated his corruption conviction in February over RM3.09 million in bribes linked to FIC’s purchase of the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching for RM160 million.