Maszlee decries graft probe, claims timing due to Johor election
Former education minister Maszlee Malik has vehemently denied any involvement in corruption and claims that the MACC is investigating him, saying these are an attempt to tarnish his reputation ahead of the Johor state election.
"I have read the Malaysiakini report regarding allegations of corruption involving me posed by certain parties.
"I vehemently deny these slanderous allegations and I see this as an attempted character assassination (mala fide) by certain parties against me ahead of the Johor state election and due to my commitment to educational issues.
"I welcome any inquiry as there is nothing to hide," Maszlee said in a statement this morning.
The Simpang Renggam MP is being touted as Pakatan Harapan's candidate to head the Johor government in the forthcoming state assembly election.
"My life and struggle are to fight for education, the fate of the disabled and the poor, the welfare of the people of Simpang Renggam, and the integrity of our beloved country," he added.
Johor PKR deputy chief Jimmy Puah Wee Tse
Separately, Johor PKR deputy chief Jimmy Puah Wee Tse also raised similar questions on the timing of the probe.
"Why is this MACC probe conducted amid the heat of the Johor election and coincidentally when Maszlee's name has been touted as Harapan's menteri besar candidate?
"It appears as if there is political interference to disrupt Johor PKR's focus and an attempt to intimidate Maszlee," Puah said in a statement.
'MACC intimidating staff'
Maszlee earlier claimed MACC officers were intimidating his staff following his involvement in demonstrations against MACC chief Azam Baki.
Yesterday, the MACC said it is probing Maszlee after receiving two reports against him.
The graft buster did not disclose the reason for the probe in its statement on the matter.
However, sources informed Malaysiakini that the investigation is over alleged corruption when he was the education minister from 2018 to early 2020.
Maszlee is alleged to have accepted monies from a ministry supplier, which he then used for political activities.
He is also alleged to have received a Toyota Vellfire from a company linked to the Education Ministry.
Separately, Johor PKR deputy chief Jimmy Puah Wee Tse also raised similar questions on the timing of the probe.
"Why is this MACC probe conducted amid the heat of the Johor election and coincidentally when Maszlee's name has been touted as Harapan's menteri besar candidate?
"It appears as if there is political interference to disrupt Johor PKR's focus and an attempt to intimidate Maszlee," Puah said in a statement.
'MACC intimidating staff'
Maszlee earlier claimed MACC officers were intimidating his staff following his involvement in demonstrations against MACC chief Azam Baki.
Yesterday, the MACC said it is probing Maszlee after receiving two reports against him.
The graft buster did not disclose the reason for the probe in its statement on the matter.
However, sources informed Malaysiakini that the investigation is over alleged corruption when he was the education minister from 2018 to early 2020.
Maszlee is alleged to have accepted monies from a ministry supplier, which he then used for political activities.
He is also alleged to have received a Toyota Vellfire from a company linked to the Education Ministry.
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