PETALING JAYA: The RM230mil in donations allegedly misappropriated by officials of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) were most likely used to buy personal assets.
Investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have shown clear signs that funds meant for charitable and religious purposes had been diverted and used to buy personal assets and “the like”.
“We are waiting for confirmation from the bank on exactly how much money has been moved to personal accounts, and anyone believed to have received the fund will be called in for investigations,” said MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
“I believe that when we get the bank accounts involved, it will show that more were involved.
“We will call them in for statements,” he said when met after witnessing the Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony between the MACC and the Enforcement, Leadership and Management University yesterday.
Members of the NGO have already been called in for statements.
Azam said the funds had been moved into personal accounts and that the act was construed as abuse of power and criminal breach of trust.
“We require bank documents from as far back as 2018, and the process will take some time. But banks normally give us what we need as soon as possible,” he said.
It is estimated that the bank reports will be received in about a week.
Azam added that such misappropriation have occurred repeatedly, necessitating the introduction of new laws to combat it.
“At present, there are no specific laws to monitor funds received by NGOs. This has resulted in abuses, including the exploitation of religious sentiments.
“There is a need for specific legislation to regulate such funds, as cases of abuse of power, fraud and criminal breaches of trust have been identified,” he said.
Two men in their 50s and 60s, including an NGO deputy chairman, have been remanded for four days until today to help investigations.
