Top corruption investigator Tan Sri Azam Baki has responded to lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali’s remarks, stating that he was simply addressing Aman Palestin Berhad’s request for the release of their frozen accounts.
The head of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) clarified that he had not received any correspondence from the non-governmental organization regarding the matter.
“They issued a press release demanding that MACC unfreeze their accounts. My earlier statement was in direct response to Aman Palestin’s demand,” he explained on Tuesday (Nov 28).
Reports had quoted Muhammad Rafique, representing Aman Palestin, as suggesting that instead of making a statement, MACC should respond to the organization’s official notice.
He mentioned that the letter was sent on Monday (Nov 27), but Aman Palestin had not received a reply from either the MACC chief commissioner or the director of the anti-money laundering division.
In response to Aman Palestin’s ultimatum, Azam stated that MACC was prepared to present its justifications for freezing the organization’s accounts in court.
On Nov 23, MACC announced the freezing of over RM25 million in 42 bank accounts linked to Aman Palestin amid allegations of misusing public funds.
However, Muhammad Rafique insisted that not all the frozen accounts belonged to the NGO.
When asked if he would respond to Aman Palestin’s letter, Azam emphasized that he had not received it and was not obligated to respond.
“I will reply if necessary,” he added.
The chief commissioner did not rule out the possibility of freezing several other accounts suspected of being involved in money laundering activities.
The MACC had initiated an investigation into the NGO in October following a report by a news portal alleging dissatisfaction among stakeholders with Aman Palestin’s management of donation collections.
