Shahrizat’s ex-political secretary says has nothing to hide

Datuk Suhaimi Ibrahim, the former political secretary to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, came out today to confirm that he was the one who was detained for investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

In a hastily called press conference at the Putrajaya Lake Club this evening, Suhaimi said he was investigated for allegedly misappropriating funds meant for the poor under the 1AZAM programme.

He said at least seven other ministry officials were called in.

"I have nothing to hide. Yes, I was arrested but the information which was published in blogs and online portals was not entirely true," he said.

Reports stated that the MACC seized about 10 luxury vehicles from Suhaimi, but he denied that they belonged to him.

"Those vehicles are not mine," said the 54-year-old businessman.

"If there are questions about my wealth, my house, as mentioned in a blog, it was all through my hard work. I have been a businessman since 1995 and that was where the money came from."

Suhaimi, the former state assemblyman of Benta in Pahang, was detained on Friday and remanded for four days during which he was questioned over the alleged misappropriation of 1AZAM funds. He was released on Tuesday.

He did not want to elaborate on the investigations.

"I was not in charge of the 1AZAM programme. I have cooperated with the MACC and now I want to clear my name," he said.

When asked if he will be called again by the MACC, Suhaimi said, "I have given them everything."

On his arrest, he said he received a call from MACC on Friday evening asking him to turn up at its headquarters in Putrajaya.

“I went there on my own. I arrived at 5pm and was questioned throughout the weekend."

On his next course of action, Suhaimi said he wanted to focus on his business and avoid being a target of accusations.

"My business has nothing to do with ministry or any programmes under it. But to avoid any accusations, I think it is better for me to stay quiet," he said.

On whether this could be an attempt to mar the image of his former boss since the Umno polls are coming up, Suhaimi refused to comment.

As a parting shot, Suhaimi warned the media to stop publishing false information on his arrest.

The 1AZAM programme is a government initiative under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

It was introduced in January 2010 to provide employment opportunities to the hardcore poor in the business, service and agriculture sectors.

The Welfare Department has spent RM1.35 billion so far to provide aid to 473,928 recipients nationwide. - TMI