Hamzah cries witch-hunt over ‘unjust’ remand of Bersatu treasurer

KUALA LUMPUR – The two-day remand of Bersatu’s treasurer by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is unjust and without reasonable cause, said party secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

He added that the remand is part of political prosecution to find fault with Bersatu leaders even though no crime has been committed.

In a statement, Hamzah also called for the unity government to stop the endless political witch-hunt.

“Accept the fact that the Bersatu leadership has not committed any crimes,” he said.

He added that party treasurer Datuk Mohd Salleh Bajuri went to the MACC’s headquarters on Wednesday (March 1) to provide an explanation regarding payments made by Bersatu to the party’s suppliers and vendors.

“Every time he was called, he (Salleh) was present. Whenever there is a document request, he submits it. He never refused the MACC’s request even when asked at the last minute.

“However, he was called again in a hurry on March 1. When he got there, he was remanded.”

Hamzah said Bersatu’s financial statements are audited and certified by experienced auditors every year.

He added that the statements were approved during the party’s annual general meetings, and no irregularities were found.

“Salleh, as a trustworthy treasurer and a person of integrity, ensured all acquisitions made by Bersatu were according to proper procedures.”

On Thursday, The Vibes reported that the MACC arrested Salleh on matters relating to the use of party funds.

This is the second high-profile arrest of Bersatu leaders following the party’s information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s charge on February 21 for allegedly receiving RM6.9 million in bribes for securing a RM232-million road project. 

Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad was also charged the same day for allegedly soliciting between 3.5% and 7% of the value of a road project worth RM47.8 million.

It is believed these funds concern the use of RM92.5 billion under the Jana Wibawa economic stimulus programme. 

The MACC had also in January frozen Bersatu’s accounts under the Anti Money-Laundering Act. – The Vibes, March 4, 2023