Witnesses in Aman Palestin graft probe yet to be called, says MACC

Graft investigators are still examining documents obtained from Aman Palestin Berhad (Aman Palestin), and therefore have not yet called any witnesses in relation to the investigation, according to Tan Sri Azam Baki, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Azam stated that a large number of documents, including bank reports, were obtained from Aman Palestin, prompting the need for their officers to review the books. He added that their forensic officers are currently examining the reports from 2020 to 2022, and witnesses will be called once a significant portion of the documents have been reviewed.

Azam further clarified that currently, the MACC is solely investigating Aman Palestin. The probe into the non-governmental organization was initiated by the MACC in October after a news portal reported widespread dissatisfaction among stakeholders regarding Aman Palestin’s approach to overseeing donation collections.

Perliss Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin had directed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Department to suspend the collection of funds by Aman Palestin in places of worship within the state due to concerns about the organization’s collection and distribution methods. The state religious authority suspended the fund collections pending the completion of the probe.

Aman Palestin has committed to fully cooperating with the MACC’s investigation into alleged irregularities concerning its fundraising activities.

In another matter, Azam stated that the MACC has closed its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra). He confirmed that individuals implicated in the scandal have already faced charges. During their investigation, the MACC identified several weaknesses in Mitra’s procedures, and they have presented recommendations and advice to improve these procedures.

Mitra is a specialized government unit established to address the socio-economic development of the Indian community, particularly the B40 group. From 2019 to 2021, Mitra approved grant allocations totaling approximately RM203 million to a total of 337 companies, associations, and non-governmental organizations.