KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Ramli Yusoff admitted yesterday that he was the “RM27mil cop” being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency, but denied that he had amassed such wealth.
“I do not have RM27mil as alleged by several newspapers. My legal source of income – buying and selling properties including shares – is more than the assets that I have declared under oath. This is certified by an accountant,” he said, adding that he was investigated after a report was lodged against him with the ACA.
Comm Ramli said he had nothing to hide and was willing to work with the ACA and answer any question anytime.
He said that as far as he knew, the ACA had cleared him of any wrongdoing as of Sept 2006, arguing that he would not have been promoted to the rank of commissioner otherwise.
Comm Ramli said he only knew that he was under investigation by the ACA when the Pangkat Gagah Pasukan Polis (police gallantry award) that he was due to receive, was withheld earlier this year.
Speaking at a packed press conference, which was attended by about 30 of this officers, at his office in Bukit Perdana, he said the land he owned in Sabah was government land that he had applied for, adding that the then Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Omar had given his written consent.
“My friend, a former army general and I bought the 800acre (323.3ha) plot and we made a partial payment of about RM200,000, which is 50% of the total value.
“Anyway the land is not ours yet as we have yet to get the grant.''
Comm Ramli said the past three months had been “like living in hell.”
He said he was also sad that certain newspapers had not checked or clarified with him prior to publishing the news.
“I am a normal human being with feelings and I have my family to protect too,” he said.
“You all (media) also should know what you have done to me,” he said, looking at reporters.
Comm Ramli also questioned the ACA's probe into his assets, saying Section 32(1)(b) of the ACA Act stated that all information surrounding investigations was confidential.
“Several newspapers reports quoted ACA sources,” he said, adding that someone had leaked information to the press.
Comm Ramli, who retires in March, denied speculation that he would be resigning.
He said he had refrained from going to the press earlier as he wanted the ACA to carry out its investigations against him.
“I have to be fair to them but unfortunately they are not being fair to me,” he said, adding that he would go on his umrah on Saturday “barring any obstacles”.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said the ACA's probe had been completed, adding that he was satisfied with the investigations.
“They (ACA officers) are very good and do their work well. It is completed and it was referred directly to me,” he said.
On action to be taken, he said: “We have to discuss it. Even yesterday we had some discussions on this issue.”
