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Probe claim of Muhyiddin-YTL link, say graft fighters

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The anti-graft group urges Maszlee Malik and others with infomation to file MACC reports.

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Free Malaysia Today
Former education minister Maszlee Malik (left) claims in a book that Muhyiddin Yassin pushed for his resignation over a contract issue involving YTL Communications.

PETALING JAYA:
Two anti-corruption organisations have called for investigations into an allegation that a contract issue involving YTL Communications was the reason why Muhyiddin Yassin, then the home minister, pushed for Maszlee Malik’s resignation as the education minister.

Transparency International Malaysia president Muhammad Mohan urged Maszlee to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism executive director Cynthia Gabriel also urged Maszlee to report to MACC and to raise the matter with Parliament’s watchdog, the Public Accounts Committee.

Maszlee had made the claim about being pushed out in his book, Memori Bukan Memoir.

Mohan said politicians should focus on protecting the public’s interest and should not entertain businessmen seeking government contracts as this would lead to kickbacks and other forms of corruption.

He said others with information and evidence to back the allegation should also report to MACC.

He pointed out that MACC would have access to audits done by the auditor-general’s office on YTL’s 1BestariNet project.

“This 1BestariNet issue has been a rumour for some time and it will remain a rumour if the public and education ministry officials or the former minister himself do not help MACC in its investigation,” he said.

Mohan also said those providing information to MACC could seek protection as witnesses or whistleblowers.

He said MACC must find out whether YTL won the bid through competitive bidding, whether it delivered on its contractual obligations and whether there was any political pressure on the education ministry to extend the contract.

Gabriel said Muhyiddin must respond immediately to the allegation and be transparent about his role in the contract and his relationship with YTL.

“We urge this new government that has spoken about reforms more than once to investigate the matter, set up an independent committee with credible people and lodge reports with MACC if corrupt intent or abuse of power has taken place,” she said.

“It is time we take action and we urge Maszlee to report to MACC and raise the matter with the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament as well.”

1BestariNet was initiated in 2011 when Muhyiddin was the education minister. It cost the government RM3 billion over the course of several phases of the contract with YTL.

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