Aman Palestin seeks public help to fund legal battle

Aman Palestin, whose accounts have been frozen by the MACC and its top brass slapped with a slew of charges, has turned to the public for help.

In a Facebook post, the organisation urged the public to assist in managing the costs of its legal battles in the “effort to restore Aman Palestin’s good name and to be free from all accusations”.

On Feb 15, Aman Palestin executive chairperson Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman and chief executive officer Awang Suffian Awang Piut had claimed trial to 19 counts of cheating.

Among others, the two, who are directors of Syarikat Samudra Champa, were jointly charged with deceiving the firm’s board of trustees out of RM5.75 million from RM39.15 million transferred to their company’s account that acted as agents for purchases of 131kg of gold.

Last November, MACC froze 41 bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin Bhd following alleged irregularities over its fundraising activities.

This involved an amount of RM15.87 million.

The freeze also resulted in the non-governmental organisation, which was established in 2004, shutting down 13 of its 20 branches nationwide.

On Feb 13, Aman Palestin Media and Documentation Department manager Ismail Muhammad Jufri was quoted as saying that nearly 100 out of 150 staff were told to take unpaid leave.

Following MACC’s move, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad requested the commission to allow Aman Palestin to channel some RM10 million in aid to Palestinians since the situation in Gaza at the time was expected to worsen during winter.

On Feb 1, Aman Palestin turned to the courts to cancel MACC’s freeze on 11 of its accounts.

The organisation wanted access to over RM770,000 per month for its operations and employees’ pay.

MACC freeze order cannot be challenged in court - AGC

PM emphasises need for transparency in managing charity funds

COMMENT | Exploiting the plight of Palestinians

Aman Palestin's head, CEO accused of cheating board in 131kg gold purchase

Aman Palestin's head claims trial to 52 CBT charges worth over RM20m

AGC to oppose Aman Palestin bid to unfreeze 11 accounts

Aman Palestin hauls MACC to court over frozen accounts