The former chairman of Malaysia’s rail operator was arrested yesterday on suspicion that he had interfered with unspecified business dealings involving the company.
Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who was fired from Prasarana just two days ago after holding a disastrous press conference about the horrible train crash earlier this week, was reportedly released on oral bail after giving his statement to the anti-graft agency, pending the Attorney-General’s Chambers’s decision, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, or MACC.
The 73-year-old, who is also an MP for Pasar Salak, was suspected of abuse of power. His arrest came four months after authorities raided the rail operator’s headquarters in Bangsar.
MACC said it released Tajuddin on oral bail, which required him to record himself promising that he will turn up in court.
The arrest is the latest adversity to hit Tajuddin, who was fired from being the chairman of Prasarana on Wednesday, after making inappropriate remarks while briefing the press about Monday night’s train collision that injured more than 200 commuters, including six who ended up in critical condition.
Describing the collision as a “kiss” between two trains was just one of the things he told reporters. When questioned by a reporter from China’s Phoenix TV, Tajuddin hit back with a question about the reporter’s country of origin before turning his attention elsewhere.
“You? Where are you from? China, no wonder lah,” he said before dismissing her.
Tajuddin was appointed Prasarana chairman last May. He was also being investigated for wearing a face shield instead of a proper face mask during the press conference.
Other stories to check out:
More than 200 people injured in KL train crash (Photos, Videos)
Kuala Lumpur rail operator to pay RM1,000 in compensation to each crash victim
