SINGER Ziana Zain remained tight-lipped when asked about allegations that several celebrities — including several legendary artistes and inspirational icons — are now under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
This follows claims of their involvement with a financial consultancy firm that allegedly colluded with local bank officials to deceive numerous borrowers, including thousands of civil servants, through overlapping loans.
When pressed further about the case involving actor Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan, who has already given a statement, Ziana remained focused on her career.
“That’s Datuk Jalal, but this is me — no comment, love. I just sing, love,” she said when approached after the semi-final round of Calpis Soda One In A Million (CSOIAM), recently.
Despite keeping her response short, Ziana remained professional in addressing the media’s questions, and acknowledged the media’s role in seeking clarification on the matter.
“It’s okay, I understand,” she said when approached..
Earlier, the MACC revealed that several artistes had been linked to the financial consultancy firm’s activities, following the arrest of 27 individuals — including eight company directors and 18 bank officials — by the Anti-Money Laundering Division (AML) in Ops Sky, a joint operation with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
The financial consultancy firm, now dismantled by the MACC, is also suspected of sponsoring concerts and funding song compositions.
MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that several celebrities and artists would be summoned next week.
Those who served as brand ambassadors reportedly received payments ranging from RM150,000 to RM400,000 from the financial consultancy firm. Additionally, some artistes were allegedly paid for allowing their images to be used in connection with the company.
The MACC disclosed that a total of RM700 million in bank loans had been approved for borrowers who later fell into the syndicate’s trap. The organisation, which claimed to provide financial assistance, pocketed at least 35 per cent of the loan amounts disbursed by banks.
During the operation, the MACC froze 98 accounts belonging to companies and individuals, amounting to more than RM22 million.
Investigations also revealed that the consultancy firm was actively involved in sponsoring entertainment programmes featuring celebrities as part of its strategy to attract ‘clients’.
Moreover, the MACC found that the syndicate invested significant sums of money into song production, working with some of the country’s top singers.
