PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and two others have been summoned to have their statements recorded by graft investigators in connection with alleged corruption involving Immigration officers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
It is learnt that the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters yesterday afternoon.
The other two being summoned were the Chinese woman who claimed that Immigration officers had asked her to pay to gain entry into Malaysia, and a witness.
However, it is not known if investigators had completed taking down statements from the three as of press time. Members of the media who camped outside the MACC headquarters earlier yesterday did not spot Tiong.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the minister and two others were present at the office.
“Yes, they came and had their statements taken,” he said.
On whether any Immigration officers would be called, he responded in the affirmative.
“Once my officers have completed taking statements from the minister and the two individuals, we will call them (the immigration officers) to assist in the investigation,” he said when contacted.
The MACC chief commissioner had earlier given his assurance that allegations of corruption at the airport would be investigated.
A news portal had reported that a minister created a commotion when he barged into the arrival hall of KLIA on June 29 in an attempt to “free” a Chinese national who was prohibited from entering the country.
Tiong later said he had stepped in to help an employee of a China-based media company after she was held up by immigration officers on arrival from Shenzen.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said further discussions were needed to find ways to improve immigration procedures for foreign tourists.
“Issues involving integrity warrant serious attention as we do not want our country’s image to be tarnished.
“For Malaysia, which has a big tourism industry, image is very important and we do not want tourists to have any unpleasant experiences,” he said after launching the MyPSV programme yesterday.
He said there should be no compromise on national security at the country’s borders, as a balance is needed to ensure the entry-exit points are still tourist-friendly.
