The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) has refuted claims that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has ever assigned an officer to its meetings, according to Mitra Special Committee Chairman Datuk R. Ramanan.
Ramanan stated that Mitra has consistently invited MACC and other relevant government agencies to participate in its meetings in order to ensure good governance.
He emphasized that Mitra has never stated that the MACC seconded its officers to their meetings, and invited the media to verify previous reports which would confirm the use of the word “invited” instead of “seconded”.
This comes in response to reports from major news portals on Friday (Nov 10) which quoted Ramanan as saying that the MACC intended to deploy an officer to the Mitra special task force committee to aid in monitoring the management of its funds.
Ramanan’s remarks followed a statement made by MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki on Nov 7, announcing the conclusion of investigations into the misappropriation of funds from Mitra, with individuals involved being charged in court.
Azam had also mentioned that the MACC had advised Mitra to enhance its funds’ management.
However, the MACC has denied stationing any officers at Mitra, stating that its officers are prohibited from participating in any board, committee, or secretariat meetings related to the procurement of external agencies in a statement released on Nov 12.
In 2021, Mitra was the subject of a MACC investigation over allegations of misappropriation of funds from 2019 to 2021.
