The two high ranking civil servants arrested in the country's biggest graft operation could be frontmen for certain politicians, speculates former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel member Robert Phang.

Phang said it was difficult to believe that the duo, a director and deputy director for a Sabah utilities company, had by themselves managed to amass the millions of ringgit seized from them.

"They are only ordinary officers. Therefore, one is inclined to think these two officers are the frontmen of the politicians, because nobody would give such a big amount to these ordinary officers.

"Normally only politicians or for the matter, ministers of that level, will have the possibility and authority to approve any form of application within the state," Phang said in a statement today.

The duo are among four suspects held by the MACC to facilitate investigations into alleged abuse of power involving infrastructure projects worth RM3.3 billion.

The commission had reportedly seized more than RM114.5 million from raids at the offices and homes of the suspects.

Phang congratulated the MACC on the seizure, but urged them to expand their investigations into the case to Sabah politicians as well.