The Malaysian Insight

FORMER education minister Radzi Jidin might be called to assist in an investigation into the RM80 million J-Qaf book printing project for preschools, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki.

Azam said investigations into corruption allegations related to the project were ongoing.

“There is a high possibility of (Radzi) being called, but not now,” Azam told The Malaysian Insight.

Azam said the MACC has not frozen any assets in relation to the case.

Police arrested two people yesterday, including Radzi’s former political secretary.

They were arrested at 11pm when they went to give evidence at the MACC’s Putrajaya office.

They have been remanded until September 26.

Radzi in a statement denied his involvement in corrupt moves linked to the printing project for preschool books.

“I have nothing to do with the printing of J-Qaf books for preschools at all. I have nothing to do with the ATR One & Only company. My wife has nothing to do with the ATR One & Only company. This is clear to anyone who is willing to search the ATR One & Only company,” he said.

The Malaysian Insight, quoting a source, reported the project involved the Education Ministry and a direct contract negotiation.

“The first suspect is in his 20s … a former political secretary to a former senior minister while the second suspect is a company owner in his late 50s.

“They are believed to have conspired with the former senior minister to request and receive bribes through the second suspect company from the contractor, in return for approving the book printing project through direct negotiations,” said the source.

The case was being investigated under section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009. – September 24, 2023.