Yeoh wants to see truth and vindication come out of the probe.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has expressed her support for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into the Selangor demand responsive transit (DRT) proof of concept.
In a statement on her social media, Yeoh welcomed the probe and emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth in the investigation.
“I welcome MACC’s probe into the Selangor DRT proof-of-concept (POC). Now that the probe has started, I want to see truth and vindication come out of this investigation. Malaysia deserves nothing less,” she stated.
She also thanked those who reached out to her in solidarity.
Yeoh’s husband, Ramachandran Muniandy, is linked to Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd, one of two firms chosen for the DRT pilot project.
Yeoh stated that she would refrain from commenting further on the matter to avoid any perception of interference with the ongoing investigation.
“It would not be proper for me to comment as it may be construed as interference with the investigations. This is why I had not said anything sooner, as the best way forward is to leave it to the relevant authorities,” Yeoh said in a statement on her Facebook page on Saturday (June 1).
She also expressed gratitude to those who showed support during this time.
The MACC has reportedly received new reports regarding the case, providing additional leads for the agency to investigate.
Ramachandran is the owner and CEO of Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd.
Another Asia Mobiliti co-founder, Premesh Chandran, is a director and former CEO of Malaysiakini.
Selangor Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairperson Ng Sze Han clarified that Asia Mobility’s involvement in the DRT project was through a request for proposal (RFP) and not direct negotiation.
Ng stated that the state government is confident in the evaluation process and decisions made regarding the project.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari has indicated a willingness to disclose documents or meeting minutes related to the matter.
Meanwhile, Yeoh’s fellow DAP politician Tony Pua defended her against criticism and emphasized the importance of merit in the awarding of contracts.
In a post on Facebook, Pua reserved his wrath for those who compared Yeoh’s position to that of former minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, whose husband – National Feedlot Corporation executive chairperson Mohamad Salleh Ismail – was embroiled in a lawsuit to reclaim a multimillion ringgit loan.
“Oh wow. All the wannabe sheriffs seem to be riding out on their pretentious high horses.
“Even comparing Hannah Yeoh to the NFC scandal. Oh wow. Great soundbites. Great clickbaits. Definitely great for the holier-than-thou image.
“She’s the perfect target after all. Blemish-free. Hardworking. Righteous. Fantastic role model. Nearly an angel. All the more juicy and scandalous, if there was even a mere whiff of possible misendeavour,” said former Damansara MP.
He pointed out that the NFC lawsuit arose over an RM250 million soft loan at a two percent interest (interest-free for three years).
“NFC had no expertise in farming cows and the NFC family purchased luxury bungalows/condominiums for their own use,” claimed Pua.
Pua went on to claim that Yeoh was too “small fry” to have any influence in the Selangor state government.
“The reality is obvious. Asia Mobiliti secured their contract by merit – which is the key differentiating and defining factor to consider. A scandal is if merit was not applied.
“Asia Mobiliti has to perform to be fully paid.
“Hannah should be judged by reality, as defined by merit. Unfortunately, reality is often coloured by perception. And in this case, perception is further clouded by self-declared sheriffs on high horses,” he said.
“And unfortunately, perception is a major crux in politics. Like it or not, Hannah has to deal with it. There was innocence and naivety in the process and she (and Ram) will have to learn from it. But naivety is not guilt or a crime,” Pua added.
He urged Yeoh to confirm her lack of involvement in her husband’s business and to cooperate fully with the MACC investigation.
In addition, Pua said the Selangor state government needs to disclose all minutes and decisions relating to the DRT contracts, its contract with Asia Mobiliti, and details on contract performance to date.
“Going forward, Hannah should move on and carry on with her exemplary good work. The rest is not in her hands,” he said.
Previously, MACC commissioner Azam Baki reportedly said he had no issues with the appointment as it was made by a different entity – the Selangor state government – and not by Yeoh’s ministry.
Nevertheless, he assured that there would be an investigation if a new lead emerged later.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that investigations into the matter must be transparent and left it to the authorities to handle.