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The
investigation comes after new Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
announced a review of government projects worth billions of
dollars approved by his predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin, alleging
they did not follow proper procedures.
Muhyiddin, who was prime minister for 17 months between 2020 and
2021, has denied wrongdoing and said he would welcome an
investigation.
The anti-graft agency did not provide details on the latest
probe or its targets, but called on the public to come forward
with evidence or information.
Anwar was appointed premier last month, forming a government
with rival blocs after a tightly contested election race with
Muhyiddin resulted in a hung parliament.
Anwar this week ordered a review into Muhyiddin-era projects,
including a plan for a state-owned 5G network and flood
mitigation projects worth 7 billion ringgit ($1.59 billion).
Corruption is a major issue in Malaysia, with former prime
minister Najib Razak jailed this year after being found guilty
in a case linked to a multibillion-dollar scandal at state fund
1MDB.
Anwar's deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - whose coalition is a key
partner in the new administration - is also facing dozens of
corruption and money laundering charges. Ahmad Zahid has pleaded
not guilty.
Tengku Zafrul Aziz, a former finance minister in Muhyiddin's
administration who oversaw government spending, said on Twitter
he would cooperate fully with investigators if asked.
"There's nothing to hide," he said in a Twitter post. Tengku
Zafrul last week was appointed to Anwar's cabinet as
international trade minister.
($1 = 4.3990 ringgit)
(Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Martin Petty, Kanupriya
Kapoor)
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