MACC denies report claiming it was probing Tourism Ministry sec-gen

The MACC has denied a report on Sabahkini2.com saying that the agency was investigating the secretary-general of a ministry.

"The MACC wants to clarify that the statement made by the portal was baseless and misleading to the public.

"The MACC wants to clarify that the case is still in its early stages of investigation and we urge all parties not to make unreasonable speculations," read the statement.

Earlier today, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Isham Ishak told the media that he was merely called in by the MACC to assist with an investigation.

He, however, did not elaborate on the matter when questioned by reporters following news he had been summoned by the anti-graft body.

“Yes, it is true I was called in by the MACC, (but) my role was to assist an investigation. There is a difference between being investigated and helping an investigation.

“I have given all the necessary information (to the MACC),” he said during the press conference in Putrajaya.

Isham said he came forward to clear his name and that of his family of any unfounded accusations adding that a news portal had misreported his assistance to the MACC.

He also said that he had only been with the ministry for five months.