KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has interviewed several witnesses in a probe into a non-governmental organisation (NGO) collecting donations for the Palestinian people.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the investigation was conducted following allegations from various parties, questioning the NGO regarding how the funds collected were spent.
The individuals called were those responsible for the expenses and those who audited the NGO’s accounts.
“All of them were summoned last week, and now the MACC is trying to obtain documents, like the NGO’s bank account statements and financial reports.
“I expect the MACC will conduct forensic accounting of its financial statements and accounts because we need to see the cash flow and the donations being transferred in and out, where it is spent and whether it is channelled for the Palestinian people’s welfare,” he said.
Azam was speaking to the press after officiating the International Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption Summit 2023 today.
So far, the MACC has received good cooperation from the NGO’s director and its management.
He said the MACC took proactive steps to investigate the NGO because it involved public interest after local media reported doubts about how it spent the collected donations.
Last week, the Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) revoked the permission to collect donations by the NGO in mosques and suraus in the state after receiving various complaints against the organisation.
Meanwhile, Azam said the investigation into printing RM80 million worth of J-Qaf books for pre-schools involving a ministry through direct negotiations is ongoing.
“I am handing over the investigation to the MACC investigating officer,” said Azam adding that so far, MACC has not yet summoned former education minister Datuk Radzi Jidin to assist in investigating the case.
In September, MACC reportedly arrested two individuals concerning an investigation involving the book’s printing.
— Bernama
