KUALA LUMPUR – Aman Palestin (AP) has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to unfreeze 41 bank accounts associated with the embattled non-governmental organisation (NGO).
AP’s lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, stated that if the MACC fails to comply, the fundraising NGO will pursue legal action.
“Today, Aman Palestin dispatched a letter to the Chief Commissioner of MACC and the its Director of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) 2021, to give notice under Section 44A to rescind and, or modify the freezing order on these accounts.
“Aman Palestine hereby grants a three-day window for the account to be unfrozen. In the event of non-compliance, appropriate legal measures will be initiated,” he told a press conference at the AP’s headquarters in Bangi, earlier this evening.
Rafique said that the MACC needs to address specific queries raised by AP, including the freezing of its humanitarian fund collection shortly after the organisation announced its intention to distribute aid for the winter.
“Aman Palestine demands answers to these questions. Why freeze the accounts for humanitarian aid? Why take such action the day after Aman Palestine declared the disbursement of funds for the Winter Aid Campaign and amidst a declared ceasefire?
“How can donations from individuals be labelled as the proceeds of illegal activities?” he asked.
He also called upon government and opposition MPs to raise the fund freezing issue in the Dewan Rakyat, stressing the universality of donations and aid to Palestine.
“The government must clarify why agencies under its jurisdiction took action to freeze accounts dedicated to humanitarian activities,” he insisted.
Addressing the investigation, Rafique said that the MACC initially visited AP’s premises on October 17, with no raids or arrests at that time. He noted that the search and account freezing occurred only a day after the MACC issued a statement on November 23.
Rafique said that the organisation had spent nearly RM12,000 on photocopying documents and that, since October 17, three staff, the CEO, and five board members had attended MACC office meetings in Putrajaya without evasion or absence.
He confirmed that 41 accounts, frozen by the MACC under the AMLATAPUAA 2001, include those of AP’s strategic partners and board members, in addition to the organisation’s accounts.
“These accounts hold assets such as 12 plots of land, four buildings, four cars, and RM15,868,762 contributed by Malaysians,” he said.
Rafique said that these assets were acquired through legitimate means and were intended solely for investments sanctioned under Aman Palestine’s memorandum and articles. – November 27, 2023