Mohd Arif and son released from remand, may be called in if need arises
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Mohd Arif Ab Rahman has been released after his 11-day remand ended. He is assisting in a corruption probe by the anti-graft body.
The Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general and his son were released by the magistrate’s court here on a bail of RM200,000 and RM25,000, respectively, at around noon yesterday.
Mohd Arif, 59, and his eldest son, 34, who were picked up along with another son, were initially remanded for one week from Jan 5, to assist in the probe. The remand was then extended for another four days.
It is learnt both father and son will be called back in to assist if the need arises.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating Mohd Arif and his two sons over alleged abuse of power, corruption and money laundering.
“So far, more than 20 witnesses have had their statements recorded,” said a source.
They include owners of several companies who were given contracts when Mohd Arif was the former secretary-general of the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry, prior to his present position.
More witnesses will be called up soon as the probe deepens.
A source said the MACC will be visiting Mohd Arif’s office here today to sift through some documents involving approval of contracts as part of the probe.
Some 10 plots of land plots in Selangor, registered under Mohd Arif and his family members, were also being looked into, which were believed to have been acquired while he was serving in the Selangor government. Mohd Arif was the Subang Jaya Municipal Council president in 2005 and Selangor financial officer in 2007.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki confirmed the details but declined to elaborate.
Last Wed, the court released the other son, aged 29, on RM10,000 bail.
On Jan 4, Mohd Arif was detained at his house in Subang Jaya, and his two sons at the MACC headquarters after giving their statements.
