SHAH ALAM: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia is considering legal action against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the bank involved over the prolonged freezing of its accounts, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Describing the situation as "unlawful and an abuse of power", the Bersatu president said the party’s accounts have remained frozen beyond the legal limit of 12 months, despite no charges being brought against them.
Muhyiddin also said that Bersatu’s attempts to open new bank accounts were blocked, leaving the party unable to manage its finances effectively.
"This is unfair and unconstitutional. We were never charged with any wrongdoing, so why are we being punished like this?" he said.
"I have discussed this with our legal team and asked them to explore all avenues to take action against the authorities responsible," he added during a press conference at the party’s annual general meeting held at Ideal Convention Centre on Sunday (Dec 1).
Muhyiddin further criticised the MACC for instructing the bank involved not to release funds from Bersatu’s accounts, calling the directive oppressive.
"We are also considering legal action against the bank that has failed to allow us access to our accounts, which has made it impossible for us to cover our expenses or pay our commitments," he said.
He added that the situation has severely hampered the party’s operations and infringed on their constitutional rights.
"Our lawyers have advised that the freeze is unjustified under the law, as MACC can only freeze accounts for up to 12 months. Yet, after 12 months, the accounts are still frozen without any valid reason," the former prime minister said.
Muhyiddin added that Bersatu had filed an application in court to unfreeze its accounts, but the hearing, initially scheduled for this year, has been postponed to Jan 23 next year.
"Our secretary-general and lawyers attended the hearing, but no decision was made, and it was delayed again. How can we survive if the government acts like this?" he said.
"Even to organise a gathering like this, which costs about RM400,000, we had to collect small contributions from members because we cannot access our accounts," he added.
Earlier, in her winding-up speech, party treasurer-general Datuk Seri Rina Harun said Bersatu’s financial standing is at a critical point after its official bank accounts were frozen by the authorities.
She said the party is currently facing financial challenges to hold activities, especially when meeting with the grassroots.
"Our party’s financial standing is getting critical. Our accounts are still frozen and seized. I will find a way to solve this issue," she said.
Rina added that various approaches have been implemented by the party to generate income, including entering the entrepreneurship industry.
"Our house is facing an internal issue (financial challenges) that must be addressed. If we are able to help the party, our love for the party will deepen.
"I also want to mobilise the treasurers at the state and division levels so that we can generate income and build the economy, or at least enable the divisions to operate independently," she said.
In Jan last year, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that several bank accounts belonging to Bersatu have been frozen to assist in an investigation.
Azam said the accounts were frozen to facilitate an investigation into funds suspected to have been obtained from illegal proceeds.
