Any Amanah members who are being investigated by the MACC ought to take a leave of absence or be directed by the party to be relieved of their duties, said Amanah Youth vice-chief Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin.

He said this in response to media reports that the MACC is investigating an aide to Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, which he said is a shocking allegation that should be taken seriously and warrants swift action.

“Amanah - with the aims and spirit of its founding - should not be involved in any investigation involving the MACC. While cognizant of the principle 'innocent until proven guilty', Amanah Youth is firm that there should be no compromise with any problem that could affect the party’s integrity.

“With that good faith, Amanah Youth urges any party member investigated to honourably take a leave of absence, or the party could make the decision to relieve him of his duties pending investigations.

“Amanah needs to be firm; not only trustworthy (amanah) but also truly be seen as trustworthy,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that MACC is investigating one of Mohamad’s aides over the allegation that he had received over RM800,000 from several parties to help settle his bankrupt status.

Sources told Malaysiakini that he was declared bankrupt by the insolvency Department about four years ago, and had remained a bankrupt since until late-May this year.

Mohamad is the Amanah president.