KUALA LUMPUR – Those involved in the alleged misappropriation of Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds can expect to be charged in court.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki told The Star that the first 10 cases involving the scandal had been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) for further action.
“We are now waiting for the DPP to go through the evidence and investigation papers.
“We hope it can be brought to court soon but I assure you that investigations have been carried out,” he was quoted as saying.
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.
Last 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 socioeconomic 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 socioeconomic 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.”
The case is being investigated under Section 16(a) and Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009. – The Vibes, February 8, 2022
