[UPDATED] MACC interviews witnesses, probes into NGO collecting funds for Palestine

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has interviewed several witnesses in a probe into a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which collects donations for the Palestinian people.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the investigation was conducted following allegations from various parties which questioned how the NGO spent the collected funds.

He said that the individuals who were called were those who were responsible for the expenses, and those who audited the accounts of the NGO.

“All of them were summoned last week, and now the MACC is trying to obtain documents, such as bank account statements and financial reports of the particular NGO.

“I expect the MACC to do a forensic accounting of the NGO’s 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 really channelled for the welfare of the Palestinian people,” he said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the International Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption Summit 2023, here, today. 

Azam said the MACC received good cooperation from the director and management of the NGO.

He added that the MACC took proactive steps to investigate the NGO because it involved public interest after local media reported that there were doubts about how the NGO 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 surau in the state after receiving various complaints against the organisation.

Meanwhile, Azam said the investigation into the printing of J-Qaf books for preschools worth about RM80 million 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, the MACC has not yet summoned former education minister Datuk Radzi Jidin to assist in the investigation into the case.

In September, the MACC reportedly arrested two individuals in connection with an investigation involving the printing of the book. – Bernama, October 24, 2023