Malaysia probes state head on timber graft claims

Malaysia's anti-graft watchdog is investigating the chief minister of a resource-rich state on Borneo island over claims of corruption in timber dealings, an official said Friday. Sarawak chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud has been the target of a long-running campaign by international activists who allege he has stashed away billions from illegal timber concessions. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission head Abu Kassim Mohamed confirmed his agency had started investigations into the graft claims but declined to give further details. "We are investigating Taib," he was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama. A commission official confirmed his comments but could not give further details. Taib, who has governed Sarawak for three decades, has denied allegations of large-scale corruption involving his family and political allies. His coalition was re-elected to rule Sarawak state in polls in April despite the allegations but the 74-year-old politician has said he will hand over the reins soon, although he has yet to specify an exact date. Activists claim Taib's administration has ill-treated the state's large tribal communities and exploited its rich natural resources. The Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund is also lobbying to have his assets in Switzerland frozen. It claims Taib is "the main culprit behind the destruction of Sarawak’s tropical rainforests" and "believed to have acquired billions of dollars of ill-gotten assets, most of which have been sent overseas." The fund is named after a Swiss environmental activist who campaigned against deforestation and for the Penan tribal community. He went missing in Sarawak's jungle in 2000.