KUALA LUMPUR – Non-governmental organisation Aman Palestin (AP) has condemned the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for what it deems a malicious attempt to tarnish the organisation’s image by freezing 41 accounts and investigating several related entities, totalling nearly RM16 million.
AP’s legal representative, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, said that the MACC’s actions are a deliberate character assassination aimed at damaging the reputation of the organisation and its board of directors.
“The MACC’s actions, from the media statement released on November 23 to the subsequent disclosure of investigation details (all of which are denied), constitute a scheme and a propaganda effort to tarnish the character of Aman Palestin and its board of directors.
“The third paragraph of the MACC’s media statement is unmistakably malicious, published with the deliberate intent of fostering a negative perception of Aman Palestin.
“Furthermore, the MACC’s tendency to issue statements without cautioning the public against speculation has led to various unfounded accusations and slander,” he said during a press conference at the organisation’s in Bangi, earlier tonight.
According to the allegations, more than RM70 million of Aman Palestin’s funds were funnelled to a company, which allegedly used them to make cash investments, and to buy gold and property.
This was uncovered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after conducting five raids on November 24, including on the said company, sources told The Star.
It was also reported that investigators found that the company owned 27 assets, such as buildings and plots of land, as well as money being transferred to other companies.
Yesterday, it was reported that four 1kg Grade 999.9 gold bullion bars were among the items seized during the raids.
MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki was quoted as saying that raids were done on the Aman Palestin office and homes of three of its officials.
In response, Rafique called into question the credibility of the MACC, urging the commission to conduct a fair and professional investigation instead of subjecting AP to continued punitive measures.
“The MACC’s statements regarding this case appear to lack careful consideration, thoroughness, reliability, and integrity.
“This has significant repercussions for AP, its board members, and their families. The MACC, as an investigative agency, must uphold fairness in its investigations. Punishment falls within the purview of the judicial system,” he added. – November 27, 2023