KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Former Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has been summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to facilitate in investigations into the alleged embezzlement of some RM1.5 billion worth of funds for rural projects in Sabah, according to Bernama.

The national news wire said the 60-year-old Member of Parliament for Semporna was seen arriving at the Sabah MACC Office at 5.15pm, accompanied by several lawyers and his supporters.

Earlier, Mohd Shafie, who is now president of opposition party, Parti Warisan Sabah, told a press conference at his residence that he would give full cooperation to the MACC in the investigation of the case.

“We will give them our full support. I know the MACC (officers) are just doing their job. So, do it well,” he said.

The report said nine individuals have been detained to facilitate investigations into the case so far. Seven of them have been released on MACC bail, while one is still under remand.

Mohd Shafie, previously a vice president of Umno, quit the party on July 4 last year after saying he was no longer in line with the leadership in Umno.

Prior to that, Shafie was suspended as an Umno member on June 24 last year by the Umno Supreme Council, which also sacked deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.