The new Malaysian push against corruption has now reached the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), with the arrest of a 64-year-old Tan Sri.

The former MIC vice-president has been arrested on claims of money laundering involving RM6 million.

The arrest was made by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission at their state offices in Johor Baru.

After the May election shocker with the defeat of the Barisan Nasional ruling coalition, the MIC was untouched by the anti-corruption probes.

The MACC has so far arrested and released ex-PM Najib Razak on various charges, including charges of money laundering.
Najib has denied the accusations and will stand trial in February next year. The former MIC vice-president Tan Sri S. Balakrishnan also pleaded not guilty in the sessions court.

The charges were made under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amla) 2001.

Balakrishnan, MIC vice-president from 2013 until 2015, faces a fine of not more than RM5 million or imprisonment for up to five years if found guilty.

According to The Star, sources said the former politician is believed to have banked in money obtained by making false claims into several accounts, both personal and for his company.

Last year, the man and his son were charged with submitting false claims of nearly RM13 million to the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) for river restoration works in Melaka five years ago.

Reports in Malaysia are that many other political figures from the BN will be brought to justice for abuse of funds, money laundering and for links with the 1MDB cases.

Bywftv