Aman Palestin funds can only be accessed after probe is done, says Azam

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) has clarified that the frozen Aman Palestin funds can only be accessed after the investigation is over.

According to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, the investigation was a serious matter of public interest.

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“In reference to the Aman Palestin funds which are frozen, MACC is still investigating the validity of the transactions and claims involved,” Sinar Harian quoted Azam as saying on Friday (Dec 1).

On Thursday (Nov 30), former prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad was reported saying that MACC should allow the money to be channelled to Palestinians and others in the Arabian Peninsula to face the winter season although the non-governmental organisation was under investigation.

Azam said, however, MACC could not allow any withdrawal until all investigations, including verification of the usage of funds amounting to millions of ringgit, were completed.

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He said the investigation of Aman Palestin should serve as an example when it comes to utilising public funds.

“As the leading anti-corruption agency, MACC views the issue seriously,” he said.

On Nov 23, MACC had confirmed that 41 bank accounts of Aman Palestin containing a total of RM15,868,762 had been frozen after investigations began on Oct 17.

ALSO READ: Aman Palestin: Unfreeze our accounts

MACC raided Aman Palestin’s premises and seized five years’ worth of financial and administration documents and recorded statements from several important witnesses for further investigation.

The investigation is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001 as well as the Penal Code.