MACC ready to justify freezing of Aman Palestin accounts in court
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is ready to reveal to the courts its justifications for freezing the accounts of Aman Palestin Berhad, says Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic).
The MACC chief commissioner was responding to the NGO’s demand for the release of its accounts within three days, failing which it will take legal action.
“The commission conducts investigations professionally and fairly, without any ill intention towards any party.
“It is up to (anyone) to take legal action should they feel there is a need to do so.
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“However, we are ready to justify our actions in freezing the assets, ” he said when contacted on Tuesday (Nov 28).
Azam said the asset freeze to assist an ongoing investigation was based on Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act ( AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
“The law gives jurisdiction to an enforcement agency to issue an order to freeze the assets of any individual.
“It is a normal action taken in any investigation if there is a need,” he added.
Azam also stressed that the MACC is entrusted to investigate sternly and fairly any issue of misappropriation or abuse of power, especially cases of public interest involving leakages of funds.
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On Monday (Nov 27), Aman Palestin lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali had said it delivered the letter to the MACC requesting the release of its accounts.
Rafique added that not all the accounts frozen by the MACC under AMLATFPUAA belonged to Aman Palestin.
“Some belonged to strategic partners, (members of) the board of directors, and staff of Aman Palestin,” he said.
On Thursday (Nov 23), the MACC said over RM25mil in 42 bank accounts under Aman Palestin had been frozen following its investigation of allegations that Aman Palestin misused public donations.
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