The MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) recently set their sights on a new target, media mogul and philanthropist Abdul Malik Dasthigeer, better known as “Dato Malik”. However, his detainment has left many bewildered.
Dato Abdul Malik who was recently taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption Commission is allegedly suspected of being involved in smuggling illegal goods, and tax reduction. But, he was reportedly released yesterday (27th July) on bail and has promised full cooperation with the investigation.
The founder and Chairman of Malik Group of Companies is best known for his philanthropic work and his dedication to bringing in artistes from India to hold concerts in Malaysia. As such, it came as quite a shock when a source close to Dato Malik claimed he had been detained by the MACC on the morning of 25th July.
According to the source, Dato Malik had been taken into custody under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). Another source from MACC confirmed the detainment. Dato Malik had also reportedly been detained with two others, allegedly his accomplices, but MACC did not state why he had been arrested.
Notably enough, news of his arrest came a day after MACC reportedly arrested a businessman with a “Datuk” title, and seized cash worth roughly RM39 million, 200kg of gold valued at about RM60 million and 17 luxury cars. The arrest and raid had allegedly crippled a corruption syndicate, cases of breach of trust, the smuggling of illegal goods, and invalid tax reduction.
Dato Abdul Malik was reportedly brought before the Magistrate Court in Shah Alam where he applied for a one-day remand prior to being questioned by MACC at their headquarters. It was later confirmed by an unnamed source that Datuk Abdul Malik and his two accomplices had been released on bail 26th and 27th July respectively.
Today (28th July), Dato Malik uploaded a video on his Instagram to shed some light on the issue. Accompanied by his lawyer, Dato Malik firmly stated: “I have given full disclosure on this matter and will continue providing all the information needed to help (resolve) the case.”
“In the end, justice will always prevail. Let’s keep marching towards the truth and one day it will all make sense. Thank you for the overwhelming love and support for the past few days 🙏🏽✨ Forever indebted to your kindness,” his caption read.
We aren’t certain what the future will be like for Dato Abdul Malik, but as it stands now, only time will tell how things will go with his case. In the meantime, we will simply have to await more information.
Watch his video here:
Sources: Instagram, China Press (1)(2)(3)(4), New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today (1)(2)
