The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested the managing director of a government-linked bank over suspicion of abuse of power and graft.

MACC director of investigations Azam Baki said the individual, who is a 'Datuk', was detained at his office in Kuala Lumpur at about 2pm following information from the public.

“He is believed to be involved in the tender to change the banking system and the publishing of a book related to a national leader,” he told Bernama.

Azam said as much as RM15 million was given to the publishing firm owned by someone with links to the suspect, but not a single copy of the book had been published to date.

MACC has also frozen RM8.1 million in various accounts, including that of the suspect.

Last week, the commission arrested three high-ranking officials, including one Datuk and one Datuk Seri, in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Kelantan.

MACC officers also seized several condominiums including penthouse, a bungalow and luxury cars such as Maserati, BMW and Audi; believed to have been obtained from proceeds of corruption and money-laundering.

Apart from this, the commission also found about RM400,000 in cash, foreign currency and several luxury wristwatches.

Meanwhile, the Datuk Seri who is attached to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is believed to own 31 luxury condominium units worth more than RM15.5 million.

Quoting a source, a news report said the MACC found that the suspect had purchased all the condominium units, each priced between RM200,000 and RM300,000, without paying down payment when the sale and purchase agreements were executed.

The houses were bought using the suspect's own name and those who are close to the suspect.

Those arrested are currently being remanded for further investigation.