KUALA LUMPUR: Over RM15mil in 41 bank accounts under Aman Palestin Berhad has been frozen in an ongoing graft probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Their preliminary investigation had identified several issues involving the misappropriation of funds estimated at RM70mil and statements had been taken from important witnesses.
“The funds were allegedly diverted for purposes other than the objectives of the establishment of the company.
“A total of 41 bank accounts of the company have been frozen amounting to RM15,868,762,” said the MACC in a statement.
It added the probe into the NGO had been on going since Oct 17, 2023, following alleged irregularities over its fundraising activities.
MACC has also conducted a search at Aman Palestin’s premises and obtained financial and operational management documents for the past five years.
It said the investigation was conducted to obtain information regarding offences under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 and the Penal Code (Act 574).
Early this month MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said a large number of documents, including bank reports, were obtained from Aman Palestin and his officers need some time to look through the books.
He reportedly said their forensic officers were looking into the details of the reports especially from 2020 to 2022.
According to reports, Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin through a letter dated Aug 24, had instructed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Department not to permit the collection of funds by Aman Palestin in places of worship within the state.
He had expressed reservations about Aman Palestin’s collection and distribution of funds, calling for more transparency on the matter.
Subsequently, the state religious authority suspended fund collections by Aman Palestin in Perlis.
Aman Palestin had pledged to fully cooperate with MACC’s investigations.
