As a student who graduated from a US university in early 90s, I would like to give my two cents worth on the allegation that a former senior minister provided funds (RM38 millions!) to a radical Islamic group in the US.

If the allegation is true, then this is a serious offence and the person responsible must be brought to justice.

However, before making any further statement on this issue, the government must investigate this matter fully. A premature statement by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on this matter is unwarranted.

First, there is a need to establish whether there is any truth in this allegation. Was there really any contribution provided? To whom? When? Was the contribution if any, done on personal capacity or otherwise? I'm sure all these will be investigated.

However, other aspects must also be looked at. Who is this Islamic Supreme Council of America chairperson Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani? As far as I am concerned, there are a few national bodies representing Islamic communities in America.

It has been known that some of these organisations are not on good terms with each other. One of these organisations might have received the funding but not the Islamic Supreme Council of America.

Also, prior to Sept 11, 2001, it was not known yet if any of these organisations were linked to terrorists or had evil intentions. Do not forget that the word radical, is also open to subjective views. What US sees as radical may not be so in the eyes of others. Many organisations have been labelled as radical based merely on suspicion and without solid proof.

I hope we will get to the bottom of this quickly as the insinuation that a former Malaysian minister had so much money to give away is giving me anxious moments.