MACC to meet witnesses overseas over London hotel probe

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 24): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will have to go to foreign shores to continue its investigations into Felda Investment Corp’s (FIC) London hotel purchase.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said the graft busters have to go to the countries where the witnesses are residing to have their statements recorded, The New Straits Times (NST) reported today.

"This process would involve Mutual Legal Assistance. We can't just jump into the other country’s to investigate.

"We have to apply through our Attorney-General (AG) here, and the AG here will communicate with the AG there. So it will take some time.

"Currently we are in the midst of applying to the Attorney-General's Chamber (AGC)," the NST reported Azam as saying.

"The witnesses involve both Malaysians and foreigners who are abroad," he added.

FIC is reported to have bought a four-star hotel in Kensington, London in December 2014 for RM330 million, which allegedly was three times the actual price of the property.

The Felda investment arm is also being probed over the purchase of the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching, Sarawak. The purchase price was also alleged to be significantly above market price.