[UPDATED] Probe papers on 10 firms in Mitra case to be submitted soon: MACC

KUALA LUMPUR – The investigation papers on the 10 companies accused of misappropriation of funds of the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) will be submitted soon to the deputy public prosecutor, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Azam said the investigation papers are nearly completed, while the probe on other companies continues.

He added that MACC is working with the National Unity Ministry to set up a special team to look into other claims.

“MACC has seized all reports between 2018 and 2020 from the said companies,” he told reporters after a MRT Corp event at the Muzium Negara station today.

He said the investigation is looking into criminal elements and improvement to procedures and the grant system.

Azam acknowledged that there are gaps in the system and procedures adopted by the government through the provision of grants.

“This is something that MACC needs to look at, and we are discussing with the ministry so that it does not happen in the future.”

A total of 337 companies, associations, and non-governmental organisations were identified to have been approved for Mitra grants from 2019 to 2021 with approximately RM203 million in allocations.

In late October, MACC arrested 16 company directors on suspicion of being involved in the misappropriation of Mitra funds.

According to sources, it is estimated that tens of millions of ringgit had been misused by the group, who originally applied for Mitra grants to organise socio-economic programmes for the Indian community.

“We estimated that almost 60% of the grant allocation received by companies, individuals, and foundations for the purpose of implementing socio-economic programmes did not reach the target groups.

“The grant was applied from Mitra, and misappropriated for the benefit of certain individuals,” sources said.

“Mitra was restructured in 2018 during the Pakatan Harapan administration, and placed under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department.

“However, since April 2020, Mitra has been placed under the National Unity Ministry, and it is estimated that Mitra received a budget of RM100 million a year.”

When contacted, Azam confirmed the arrest.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a) and Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009. – The Vibes, November 22, 2021