As the minister in charge, he assured the matter would be handled immediately.
“My duty is to make sure an investigation is done properly and the matter resolved,” he told a press conference at the Umno headquarters here today.
Khairy refuted claims that the issue was raised with the intention to discredit him or it was a political ploy against him.
“Corruption is corruption. I cannot say this is a conspiracy to discredit me.
“I will not hide behind the excuse of political conspiracy. I will be honest about this.
“We have to stand up and face the criticism. If it’s wrong, it is wrong,” Khairy added.
The Umno Youth chief said he knew the officer and did not realise he was living above his means.
“He has come to my office for his work. Personally, I did not know about his lifestyle because in the office there was nothing unusual.”
The Rembau MP also gave an assurance that he would allow the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency to carry out a full investigation.
A 56-year-old senior officer, arrested by the MACC on March 17, was alleged to have received kickbacks amounting to RM20 million. He is reported to have led a lavish lifestyle over the past six years.
The MACC had arrested the division secretary, whom it described as the mastermind of a syndicate involving misappropriation of state funds, along with eight others.
As part of its probe, MACC froze 69 bank accounts with RM8.33 million and seized houses, cars, clothes and jewellery.
Meanwhile, Khairy has prohibited members from participating in the March 27 anti-Najib Razak rally, warning that disciplinary action would be taken against those who take part.
“Our members are not free to do as they please. They must do what I say,” he said after signing an agreement with Might Meteor Advance Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, a human capital development centre.
On a related matter, Khairy said the wing also rejected the Citizens’ Declaration – which he had also banned members from signing – as it went against parliamentary democracy.
“This is determined by an election, not by collecting signatures, gathering groups or a press conference. The most important mandate is the general election.”
The March 27 closed door gathering, spearheaded by former Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim, is calling for those who abuse the law to be punished and those who harbour such criminals to be made accountable and responsible.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram