REALLY ‘RELAKS SAHAJA’ OR SO FRIGHTENED HE’S SIMPLY SHOOTING HIS ‘LONGKANG MOUTH’ OFF? – SANUSI THE OBJECT OF CONTEMPT AS THE ‘RARE EARTHS THEFT’ NOOSE TIGHTENS ON HIS NECK – KEDAH MB’S SENIOR AIDE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF SOLICITING BRIBES OF RM1 MIL FROM COMPANY OWNER
Sanusi ‘relaks sahaja’ after aide detained
Caretaker Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is unfazed over the arrest of one of his aides.
Confirming the arrest, the PAS leader did not rule out that it could be linked to Pakatan Harapan’s “brainstorm” of using the rare earth elements mining issue in his state to topple Perikatan Nasional.
“… We have no problems if they want to attack us, go ahead.
“I am unperturbed (‘relaks sahaja’) and have told all those called in for questioning (to cooperate with the authorities). We can tell them what they want (to know).
“We have no reason to be concerned. As long as we are (on the side of) truth, there is nothing to be worried about.
“Do not be afraid, we are not a race that bows (to pressure),” Harian Metro quoted him as telling reporters in Kedah.
Sanusi was responding to a question about whether the latest arrest is related to the two individuals MACC had detained over the illegal mining projects.
The MACC is investigating the rare earth elements mining activities in Bukit Enggang, Sik, following complaints by Kedah Umno, locals, and groups critical of Sanusi.
It also arrested a senior official at Menteri Besar Kedah Incorporated as well as a company director in connection with the probe.
No details on arrest
Last week, MACC chief Azam Baki said Sanusi would also be called in for questioning, to which the latter said he is willing to be investigated “25 hours a day, eight times a week”.
Commenting on the arrest of his aide, Sanusi said he did not have the details and was informed of the matter this morning.
“I was informed this morning that he was arrested to facilitate the investigation, not detained because he committed an offence.
“I don’t know what offence he committed. Let them (the authorities) complete their investigations.
“He (the aide) has not informed (me) of anything, (perhaps) he cannot (not in a position to) inform. It seems the efforts (against Sanusi) are becoming more concentrated with each passing day,” he added.
Kedah is one of the six states which will be holding an election on Aug 12. – MKINI
Rare earth elements: MACC arrests senior Kedah govt officer
PUTRAJAYA— The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday arrested a Kedah government senior officer to facilitate investigations into allegations of corruption and misuse of power regarding the issue of illegal rare earth elements (REE) mining in the state.
A source with the MACC said the man, in his 50s, was detained at 8pm at the MACC office in Alor Setar after he was suspected of soliciting bribes amounting to almost RM 1 million from a company owner.
MACC senior investigations director Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim, who confirmed the arrest, said the case is being investigated under Sections 17 and 23 of the MACC Act 2009.
MKINI / BERNAMA
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