Our transactions with PMO genuine, says textile firm in MACC forfeiture list

PETALING JAYA: All transactions cited in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) civil forfeiture suit were genuine business transactions, says textile firm Jakel, after it was named in connection to funds allegedly misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The transactions referred to in the suit were related to orders which it received from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his office for the supply of fabric for jubah (robes), the company said In a statement issued on Saturday (June 22).

 The company said the former Prime Minister and the Prime Minister's Office ordered the material for all charity programmes for more than 7,000 mosques nationwide, among other things.

The orders were also for the supply of clothing for flood victims between 2011 and 2014, well before any issues pertaining to 1MDB came to its knowledge.

"Jakel received the payment after we delivered the goods. All payments for goods sold and delivered were accepted in good faith.

"We are not in the position to question the source of the funds unless there was clear evidence that the same were ill-gotten funds," the statement read, adding that any issue of money laundering was beyond the company's knowledge.

Jakel were among 41 entities and individuals served with civil forfeitures by the MACC, which is seeking to recover RM270mil said ot have been misappropriated by 1MDB.

The company said it had been providing MACC all the relevant documents related to the transactions and was committed to continue assisting the anti-graft body.

"Jakel would like to clearly state that all transactions related to the allegations were done at arm’s length, genuine business transactions supported by proper documents.

"Jakel had no prior knowledge whatsoever with regard to the money issues as mentioned in the MACC statement, and Jakel has never been involved in any money-laundering scheme."