By Shahrin Aizat Noorshahrizam
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 41 bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin Bhd following alleged irregularities over its fundraising activities.
The commission in a statement said accounts, involving an amount of RM15.87 million, were frozen yesterday.
"A total of 41 of the company's bank accounts have been frozen, amounting to RM15,868,762, yesterday.
"MACC also conducted a search at Aman Palestin's premises and obtained financial and operational management documents for the past five years," it said.
MACC launched its investigation into Aman Palestin Bhd from Oct 17.
The probe was conducted to obtain information regarding offences under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 and the Penal Code (Act 574).
"MACC has taken statements from key witnesses. Preliminary investigation has identified several issues involving the misappropriation of funds estimated at RM70 million, which was diverted for purposes other than the objectives of the establishment of the company," it said.
MACC had last month launched an investigation into Aman Palestin in connection with alleged irregularities within the NGO's fundraising activities for the Palestinian people.
Reports alleged that stakeholders were dissatisfied with Aman Palestin's approach to overseeing donation collections.
Previously, Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin through a letter dated on Aug 24, had instructed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) not to permit the collection of funds by Aman Palestin in places of worship and relevant religious premises within the state.
He had expressed reservations about Aman Palestin's collection and distribution of funds, calling for more transparency on the matter.
Subsequently, the state religious authority suspended fund collections by Aman Palestin in Perlis effective Oct 12, pending the completion of a probe.
Aman Palestin last month pledged to extend its full cooperation to the MACC over the probe.