PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating an aide to Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu over claims that he received over RM800,000 from several parties to settle his status as a bankrupt.

According to a Malaysiakini report on Tuesday (Aug 14), MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed that a probe is being carried out.

However, no details were forthcoming about the investigation as it is still a work in progress.

According to the portal, the Insolvency Department had declared the aide bankrupt about four years ago.

This was his status until late May when a number of payments were credited to the department’s account to settle his debts.

“It was alleged that the payments were made on his behalf only a few days after Mohamad was sworn in as the defence minister,” said one of the sources.

The aide’s statement had also been recorded by the MACC to facilitate the probe, said a source, who added that statements were also recorded from 10 others.

The group includes several defence contractors and business representatives.

"It was suspicious as it came when he was purportedly going to be appointed as an aide to the minister,” he added.

According to the source, the MACC is finding out whether the debts were settled with the intention to secure projects in return.

Mohamad, who is also the Amanah president, reported for duty as defence minister on May 22.