KANGAR: Perlis Perikatan Nasional chairman Mohd Shukri Ramli today says he's still the menteri besar despite calls for him to step down after being investigated over allegations of abuse of power by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Shukri, who is Perlis Perikatan Nasional (PN) commissioner, said calls for him to relinquish the post were confined to social media and not in the state administration or the party.

"It's people's right to say that, but as for now, I'm still the Perlis menteri besar."

He said this after chairing the executive council meeting here.

Shukri said he would focus on managing the state administration.

He confirmed that he was arrested by the MACC for eight hours to record his statement on Tuesday.

"I wasn't arrested right away, and according to my lawyer, the eight-hour arrest was only to assist in the investigation.

"I accept the MACC probe with an open heart.

"Perhaps this will give me the space to be more disciplined to ensure a clean up of my administration as the head of state government.

"If the MACC wants to call me up again, I will be ready."

On Tuesday, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Shukri was arrested when he went to graft-buster's headquarters in Putrajaya and was released after spending eight hours having his statement recorded.

It was learnt that Shukri, who is also Perlis Pas commissioner, is being investigated for abuse of power related to infrastructure development projects, including the repair, maintenance, supply and services in Perlis since 2022.

Two weeks ago, the MACC detained six people, including Shukri's son, for an investigation into an alleged false claim amounting to RM600,000 involving the state's infrastructure and supply contracts.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1045536/despite-calls-quit-im-still-perlis-mb-says-shukri