NGO lodges MACC report against Azmin for alleged financial mismanagement

PUTRAJAYA: A non-governmental organisation has lodged a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged financial mismanagement in Selangor involving incumbent PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.

President of Persatuan Anak Selangor Menyokong Mentri Besar (Pasmeb), Mazli Saring, stressed that their decision to take it to the anti-graft body was not aimed at any individual.

"I am not in favour of anybody, nor do I work for the Mentri Besar. I am here to carry out my duty as a responsible Selangorian," he told reporters before lodging the report here Wednesday.

Mazli said the complaints contained two allegations of misappropriation, namely for a Petaling Jaya Sentral Development (PJ Sentral) project and funds allocation meant for the state government's Skim Mesra Usia Emas (SMUE).

It was reported previously that service centres of Azmin, who is a Gombak MP as well as Wangsa Maju MP Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong were being investigated by state auditors for allegedly misusing funds under the scheme.

Azmin was also reportedly investigated by the auditors regarding a transaction involving a PJ Sentral project by state subsidiary PKNS Holdings Sdn Bhd, where he sits on the board of directors.

Mazli, who is also a Kuala Selangor PKR member, refuted claims that his action was an attempt of a smear campaign against Azmin, who is seen as a political rival to Current MB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

Azmin and Khalid are now running for the deputy presidency post in the ongoing party election, where Azmin has taken a comfortable lead.

"Although I support Khalid as Mentri Besar, I remain a neutral observer. I am not here to campaign for him as a candidate for the deputy president's post," he said.

He also stressed that he would not fear of any disciplinary action should the party decide to take against him for openly criticising a party leader.

Azmin could not be reached for comments.