Police take financial documents and records from Mandiri, Hayat

Civil society organizations Mandiri and Hayat were visited by 20 police officers today to obtain documents related to the groups. The groups handed over various financial records, including audit reports, company registration documents, staff lists, payroll and EPF contribution records, tax documents, media statements concerning the "corporate mafia", Hayat's bank statements and other financial records. They also provided a computer and a USB drive containing Hayat's financial information.

The organizations stated that they fully cooperated with the operation, but expressed frustration over the officer leading the investigation not being able to explain the basis or purpose of the inquiry. Their lawyer later requested a meeting with the investigating officer for further clarification, but was informed that the officer could not attend due to waiting for around an hour. The groups emphasized that they had not committed any crime and believed the investigation was a form of continued pressure.

This operation followed days after Mandiri's executive director, Amir Hadi, reported that his personal bank account had been frozen under the anti-money laundering law, as well as the personal accounts of Mandiri's finance director, Dobby Chew, and Hayat, an NGO managed by Chew. Neither Hadi nor Chew were informed about the restrictions, nor given reasons for them or called for questioning.

Hadi was also barred from leaving the country, a fact he verified through the MyBorderPass app after Chew faced difficulties returning from Jakarta. Eventually, Chew was permitted to enter Malaysia.