Contrary to what Isa Samad’s lawyer claims, MACC says Isa is a suspect in FIC hotels probe, while taxi operators are unhappy he stays as SPAD head.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has rubbished claims that Tan Sri Isa Samad was only questioned as a witness in the investigations of two hotels purchases by Felda Investment Corp (FIC).
Instead, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki confirmed that Isa is a suspect for the case and that was why he was arrested.
“I think some people might need to learn criminal study here. When we hold a person under remand, it shows that the person is being investigated.
“Of course (he’s a suspect). If you are arrested, you are a considered a suspect,” Azam said.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri said that Isa was still Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman and business was as usual at SPAD.
She said Isa’s position should not be questioned as no charges have been pressed against him.
Taxi operators, however, are urging Putrajaya to appoint someone with a public transport background to head SPAD.
“We are recommending that former Road Transport Department director-general Ismail Ahmad be appointed. He is from the transport industry and knows the problems well,” Persatuan Transformasi Pemandu Teksi Malaysia (Pers1m) head Kamarudin Mohd Hussain told FMT.
“He knows all about roads and taxis. We hope Najib Razak (the prime minister) will look into the matter,” he said.
“We do not need a politically-linked person,” Kamarudin added.
He said Pers1m would be happy to deal with someone who understands the daily issues faced by taxi drivers.
FMT reported that Shah Alam City Car Rental Taxi Driver Association president Yazid Mohamad said it was essential to have a person with proper transport industry knowledge to run SPAD.
“We prefer if it is not a corporate person. But rather a hands-on person who knows about the law and public transport.
“That would be better for us as there are a lot of issues we would like to bring up,” Yazid said.
United Taxi Drivers Task Force spokesman Rosman Rahmat hoped for positive changes in SPAD, particularly relating to problems faced by taxi drivers.
“That is why we are hoping a person with a better background would take over SPAD,” said Rosman.
Related reports:
Aug 21, Isa Samad Freed on RM150K Bail
Aug 16, Isa Samad in Court for Remand Proceedings
Aug 15, Isa Samad Arrested over FIC Hotel Deals
Aug 4, Two from Law Firm Arrested in FIC London Hotel Probe
Aug 1, Ex-Felda Chairman’s Aide Nabbed
Aug 1, Ex-FIC CEO Arrested over London Hotel Purchase
Jul 30, Three Detained over FIC’s Kuching Hotel Purchase
Jul 21, Two Arrested by MACC over FIC’s London Hotel Purchase
Jul 20, More FIC-Related Arrests Possible
Jul 17, MACC Raiding FIC Office
Jul 10, MACC to Open New Investigation Paper on Felda
Jun 21, Isa Neither Denies nor Admits to Any Wrongdoing
Jun 21, It’s Isa and Wife’s Turn After 60 Witnesses Gave Statements