Dr M to MACC: Unfreeze, don't torment Palestinians in winter

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged MACC to permit Aman Palestin Bhd to channel some RM10 million in aid to Palestinians since the situation in Gaza is expected to worsen during winter.

“Unfortunately, MACC is investigating Aman Palestin and its accounts have been frozen. Because of this, the RM10 million cannot be channelled,” said the former premier.

Mahathir said while the commission could pursue its investigations, it could send an officer together with Aman Palestin representatives to ensure that the aid reaches Palestinians.

“Otherwise, MACC is also torturing the Palestinians who are already suffering because of Israel,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

MACC has frozen 41 bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin and other company entities involving some RM15 million.

This was related to investigations into alleged misuse of donation money under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds from Illegal Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001) and the Penal Code (Act 574).

Following this, Aman Palestin clarified that allegations of wrongdoing arose because of its policy not to channel donations through the Palestinian Embassy in Malaysia but directly to the people.

On Tuesday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the commission was prepared to face Aman Palestin in court if the latter chose to initiate legal action.

“They have the right to initiate legal action, while we too have the right to investigate on behalf of the public. No one can stop them from taking action. We will fight it in court.

“As for now, we will just follow the law,” he told Malaysiakini.

Aman Palestin was founded in 2004 by former Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman.

Abdullah Zaik served as its president until 2018 before assuming the role of executive chairperson.

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