The Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) has yet to resubmit the investigation papers on Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) and Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said CCM was gathering additional information required before the investigation papers were resubmitted to the AG’s Chambers for legal action to be taken against Suaram and the company.

He was speaking to reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperative development on behalf of the ministry with Vietnam’s Planning and Investment Ministry in Kuala Lumpur today.

Vietnam was represented by Deputy Planning and Investment Minister Dang Huy Dong.

It was reported that the investigation papers were returned to CCM on Sept 19, as the AG’s Chambers wanted further probe into accounts and other related offences under the Companies Act 1965, allegedly committed by Suaram and Suara Inisiatif.

According to the AG’s Chambers, the investigation papers submitted by CCM were too incomplete to draft the charges.

Commenting on a police report lodged by Suaram coordinator R Thevarajan against him, Ismail Sabri described Thevarajan as a “confused man”.

“While making a police report, he condemned the legal rights used by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to investigate Suaram.

“If he does not believe in the law, why did he lodge a police report against me, by alleging that we are cruel as ROS is investigating them. If there is nothing to hide, why should you try to prevent us from investigating you?” he asked.

According to ROS, Suaram did not comply with the Societies Act 1966, where they must fill the requirement of Schedule 1 of the Societies Act 1966 covering business address, have at least seven members (Section 2, Societies Act 1966), membership fees collection and its constitution.

On the MoU, Ismail Sabri said initially, the collaboration would focus on strategic business, exchange of expertise, and research and development.

“The franchise MoU with Vietnam, is Malaysia's first with any country. We plan to extend the collaborative programme with other Asean countries like Timor Leste, Brunei and Indonesia by year-end,” he added.

- Bernama

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