KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is expected to summon Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over a RM6 million graft probe involving the Kedah Football Association (KFA).
A source said the probe was launched after MACC received a report from a contractor who had been promised contracts in the state if contractors channelled funds into the football association's account.
"Based on investigations, there is an important, high-positioned individual in the state government and in the football association who had promised to grant construction projects and services as a return to contractors for channelling funds.
"However, after these contractors had done so to the football association's account, they did not receive any project as promised by the individual involved," the source said.
The source added that the contractor had felt cheated and subsequently lodged a report with MACC on the matter.
MACC Investigation Division senior director Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed that MACC would be calling up the menteri besar to get more information.
On Jan 5, the Alor Star magistrate's court granted MACC a three-day remand order against Kedah Football Association (KFA) chief executive officer Zulkifli Che Haron for allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to RM6 million three years ago.
MACC also remanded two football club consultants and a self-employed man.
The funds were believed to be an inducement for helping a company owner secure construction project tenders for a racecourse and projects to manage, operate and maintain five water retention facilities in Kedah.
Sanusi, who is also KFA president, had categorically denied that there was any element of corruption. On Monday, Sanusi said he was the real target behind the MACC probe into the alleged corruption case.
He had claimed that the move to remand Zulkifli was a plot to tarnish the state's reputation after failing to link the former to any corruption scandal, and was only done so to "cook up something".
"This is sheer persecution against those who are not aligned with them (the unity government). That would be me.
"They (those investigated by MACC) are just accessories. The real target is me. They have been trying for months but did not find anything (on me)."
Sanusi had also claimed that KFA funded its football team and activities through donations and contributions since its establishment as it was a non-profit organisation.
He had claimed that since its establishment in 1924, KFA had been financed through donations from the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations as well as sports enthusiasts.
"If money enters KFA's account, what's wrong with that? Where is the corruption element in this?"
Sanusi had also claimed that the water plant tender was conducted openly and managed by the Public Works Department, requiring approval from the federal government.
On the racing circuit issue, Sanusi claimed that the project was undertaken through proper administrative processes by the Kedah State Development Corporation.
