ACA release JB city councillor on bail

Star

JOHOR BARU: A Johor Baru city councillor who was detained by the Anti-Corruption Agency has been released on bail after his statement was recorded.

State ACA director Simi Abdul Ghani said that the councillor was released within 24 hours after he was detained on Friday.

"He was caught red-handed and we have recorded his statement and released him," he said but declined to elaborate if the councillor would be charged.

The councillor was detained on Feb 28 at around 1pm in Permas Jaya for allegedly accepting bribes from a Singaporean businessman to "settle" a problem involving a kindergarten here.

The Singaporean, who runs a kindergarten, was slapped with a notice some time ago to cease operations after residents complained of traffic jams.

The businessman sought the help of the councillor who asked for several thousands of ringgit to help "settle the matter", but the deal went sour when the Singaporean was hauled to the council court and fined heavily despite paying the bribe.

It is learnt that the councillor in his 50s, who is active in politics and picked as a candidate in the general election before being dropped was also questioned by the ACA in 2006.

He was investigated for submitting false claims over the purchase of electrical items.

The case is still pending.