The MACC has arrested an aide to Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Salahuddin Ayub today.

In a statement, the minister said he had been informed of the arrest and would not interfere in the investigation.

“I wish to stress that I would not interfere in MACC investigation and would allow the law to take its course. He too is a Malaysian who is subject to the law.

“I hold fast to the principle of rule of law and I’m confident MACC would conduct its investigation fairly and independently,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier today, it was reported that the MACC had arrested a 47-year old today for allegedly accepting a luxury watch valued at about RM28,000 as gratification.

A source said preliminary investigations found that the watch is an inducement from a developer to obtain projects under the purview of a ministry. The ministry was not named.

The suspect was reportedly arrested at about 5pm when he presented himself at MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya for questioning.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki confirmed the arrest and said the investigation is being conducted under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.

He added that the MACC would seek a remand order against the suspect at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow morning.

Section 16 of the MACC Act criminalises the acceptance of gratification.

Upon conviction, it is punishable under Section 24 of the same act, which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment, and a fine no less than five times the value of the gratification.