Ex-BNM governer questioned over RM2bil land purchase

PETALING JAYA (Nov 7): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission (MACC) has questioned former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim over the central bank’s RM2bil land purchase from the Finance Ministry in January.

The Star reports that a highly placed source in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission (MACC) said other BNM officials were also questioned regarding the acquisition of the 55.79-acre land known as Lot 41.

Muhammad has reportedly been questioned several times.

“We have recorded his statement and also from many other officers of BNM. What the MACC covers is mainly about the land sale.

“On the issue of whether the sale was conducted in a proper manner, that depends on the central bank’s own probe,” the source was quoted as saying by the daily.

BNM issued a statement on Oct 31, announcing it commissioned an independent party to review the processes, following reports regarding four officers who were told to go on leave pending the central bank’s internal probe.

In a statement, BNM said that the relevant officers “opted to take leave of absence”.