The Malaysian Insight

THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has requested for documents on the UK’s Serious Fraud Office’s probe into senior AirAsia Group Bhd officials over alleged payments from European aircraft maker Airbus.

MACC chief Latheefa Koya told reporters today the agency will study the documents first before questioning AirAsia Group Bhd (AAGB) executive chairman Kamarudin Meranun and chief executive officer Tony Fernandes.

MACC has formally requested the documents from SFO, she said.

“We have not decided if there is a need to call them both (for questioning). It will have to be decided after we go through the documents.”

When asked when the agency will be able to get hold of the documents, Latheefa said she was unsure of the timeframe.

“They may not just receive one application from us. Maybe a dozen or hundreds of formal requests as this is an international case. They may have their own priority.”

MACC began its investigations into the corruption claims involving aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the two AirAsia executives on February 1.

Latheefa said previously that under the MACC Act, the agency has the power and authority to investigate any act of corruption committed by any Malaysian citizen or permanent resident in or out of the country.

A day before her statement, UK newspaper, The Telegragh, reported that AirAsia and AirAsia X were linked to the Airbus corruption scandal.

The paper said Airbus bribed two unnamed executives from AirAsia and AirAsia X to obtain future contracts.

It was also reported that AirAsia then ordered 180 aircraft from Airbus and the two executives were later “rewarded for the purchase of the aircraft” in a deal described as “contracts obtained through improper channel”.

Airbus allegedly paid US$50 million (RM210 million) and offered another US$55 million to sponsor a sports team affiliated with the two executives who were described as “key decision-makers” at AirAsia and AirAsia X.

Last week, Airbus admitted to illegally trying to sway decision-makers in sales and agreed to a record US$4 billion settlement.

The corruption allegations forced Fernandes, who also faces corruption charges in India, to step aside as AirAsia CEO for two months, as has Kamarudin.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) will also probe into the Airasia-Airbus graft allegations to check for violations according to the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015. – February 11, 2020.