Blogger files MACC report against Ambiga over RM90mil payment

SHAH ALAM: Lawyer and activist Datuk S. Ambiga is key in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation into allegations that RM90mil was paid to PAS, claims a blogger.  

“The key to MACC’s investigations is simple, as it centres on Ambiga.

“All MACC has to do is to haul her up and question her on what was filed in court by Clare Rewcastle Brown,” Raggie Jessy Rithaudeen told reporters after lodging a report at the MACC headquarters here on Thursday (Feb 7).  

He claimed that Sarawak Report editor Rewcastle Brown had relied on Ambiga’s information on the alleged RM90mil payment to PAS.  

“Claire stated in her defence and counterclaim filed with the High Court in London on Oct 11, 2017, that it was Ambiga who revealed to her that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak paid RM90mil to certain PAS leaders.  

“All Ambiga has to do now is to tell the MACC if this is true or not and show proof of her claims,” he alleged.  

Raggie said he lodged the report against Ambiga as his blog, "The Third Force", was allegedly mentioned several times by Rewcastle Brown in her court documents.  

The blogger, who also heads the non-governmental organisation Malaysiaku Tanahairku, said he will be lodging a police report against Ambiga on Friday (Feb 8) on MACC’s advice.  

On Tuesday (Feb 5), the MACC confirmed investigations into the RM90mil allegations after receiving a police report by an individual.

The case is being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

There were also several calls by Parti Amanah Negara leaders for the authorities to investigate PAS to determine if the allegation that the party received RM90mil from Umno might have come from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds.

The calls came after PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang opted for an out-of-court settlement with Rewcastle Brown over a defamation suit.

Abdul Hadi sued Rewcastle Brown for libel over an article she published on Aug 6, 2016, alleging the party received RM90mil in bribes from Umno.

She filed a counterclaim in October 2017 but last Friday (Feb 1), the case was settled out of court.

According to PAS treasurer Razman Zakaria, the increasing cost of legal fees is one reason for the out-of-court settlement.

On Sunday (Feb 3), Najib denied he gave RM90mil to Abdul Hadi or PAS, as claimed in the Sarawak Report article.