PKR-linked movement Jingga 13 today lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against three successive agriculture and agro-based industries ministers over alleged “mismanagement” of funds in the controversial national feedlot project.

It named Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who held the post from 2004 to 2008; International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed (2008-2009); and the current Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Noh Omar.

    

“Jingga 13 condemns the action of the ministry as well as the former ministers responsible for the portfolio, as it is a clear misuse of power when the loan was disbursed to National Feedlot Corporation’s (NFC) special account prior to signing of a loan agreement as per financial regulations and procedures,” the movement’s chief coordinator Fariz Musa said in a statement.

The group was referring to the recent Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) inquiry, which found that a RM250 million government soft loan to NFC was disbursed before the contract was signed.

    

pac meeting on rmaf engine missing 200110 azmi khalid This was revealed by PAC chairperson Azmi Khalid (left) , after the parliamentary committee interviewed several ministry officials late last month.

 “In this case, the money was disbursed in 2009 into a special account, which needs the (relevant) ministry’s approval to be withdrawn for the company’s operations.

“But only after the money was disbursed (in 2009) was the contract signed, a year later in 2010,” Azmi told reporters after chairing the PAC’s inquiry in November.

Questioning how the large amount of public funds could be moved around without waiting for proper documentation as per standard procedures, Jingga 13 wants the anti-graft body to investigate the allegations and take stern action against those found guilty.

The group also questioned if there was any special treatment and potential abuse of power in the irregular disbursement of the loan to NFC, which is owned and operated by the husband and children of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

The NFC scandal hit the front pages, after irregularities and probable mismanagement were highlighted in the Auditor-General’s Report 2010.

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