MACC

PUTRAJAYA — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified the chairman of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Melaka as the main suspect in a case involving the misappropriation of RM26 million in public donations meant for charitable purposes.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said five individuals, including the chairman and financial manager of the NGO, who were remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation have been released.

“This NGO is registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and, under MACC law, it is categorised as a public body. Therefore, any abuse of power by individuals holding positions within the organisation can be investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009,” he said at a press conference here today.

Azam said RM26 million was found to have been transferred from the NGO’s official account to the personal accounts of certain individuals, believed to be used for personal gain, including asset purchases.

“We found that the suspect had spent the funds for personal use, including acquiring assets such as land and buildings. The money was donated by the public for the Syrian community and other charitable causes,” he said. 

He said the investigation is being conducted under Section 409 of the Penal Code and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

“Further investigation is ongoing, including tracing all transactions and assets acquired using the funds,” he added.

Recently, five individuals, including the chairman, secretary, treasurer and financial officer of the organisation, were detained by the Selangor MACC in an operation called Op Serantau, on suspicion of misappropriating their NGO’s funds.

The MACC seized various assets worth over RM8 million in the operation, including more than RM1 million in cash, jewellery estimated at RM100,000, crypto accounts totalling about RM650,000, and four residential units valued at over RM1.4 million. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — The Sabah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested another state assemblyman (ADUN) on suspicion of soliciting and receiving bribes totalling approximately RM150,000 in connection with the issuance of a mining license in the state.

According to sources, the suspect, a man in his 40s, was arrested at 9.30 am this morning when he appeared to give a statement at the Sabah MACC office.

“The suspect, who is also an assistant minister, is believed to have committed the act around 2023 and 2024.

“The investigation also found that the suspect had allegedly requested and received a bribe worth approximately RM150,000 from an individual with the title Datuk, supposedly to help manage the application for a mining license in the state,” he said.

Meanwhile, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki when contacted confirmed the arrest and said that the case is being investigated under Section 16 (a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009. 

He added that the suspect was released after his statement was taken on MACC bail of RM50,000 with one surety and will be charged in the near future.

Earlier on June 18, MACC was reported to have detained a businessman and an assemblyman with the title of ‘datuk’ on suspicion of requesting and receiving bribes involving the same issue.

The two were later released on bail of RM100,000 and RM50,000 respectively after giving statements. — BERNAMA

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