Kerajaan ada kewajipan moral audit RM50 juta Umno untuk Najib, kata Kadir Jasin

Veteran journalist A Kadir Jasin has argued that the Malaysian government has a moral responsibility to investigate the source of the RM50 million collected by Umno to pay former Prime Minister Najib Razak's fine in the SRC International case. Kadir emphasized that the government, which repeatedly vows to combat corruption, must ensure that the payment comes from a legitimate source, regardless of who the contributor is.

He pointed out that even if Umno is the only one paying the fine, agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM), police, Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), and Bank Negara should investigate the RM50 million's origin to ensure its legitimacy. Kadir suggested that the significant amount warrants scrutiny, including the possibility of individual or corporate contributions related to government contracts.

While some projects related to these contracts have gone smoothly, he stressed that corruption cannot be ignored. On November 7, Kampar MP Chong Zhemin echoed Kadir's call, urging Umno to either confirm or deny allegations of contractors involved in road projects contributing to the funds. Former Damansara MP Tony Pua had previously urged the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) and SPRM to audit the funds to ensure they are genuine and free from illicit money handling.

However, Walter Sandosam, a former SPRM panel member, clarified that there is no legal provision mandating an audit of charitable donations, describing Umno's suggestion as a personal initiative. Earlier, Umno had paid the RM50 million fine as part of Najib's conditional pardon, allowing him to continue serving his prison sentence for the SRC International case, though the suspended sentence has been delayed due to ongoing legal interpretations of the conditional pardon and a royal order issued by the Supreme Court.

Separately, former ACCA President Khalid Ahmad pointed out that while he doesn't consider charitable donations as a mistake, as long as they come from legitimate sources, tracing the funds' origins might be necessary. He suggested that banks and anti-money laundering agencies have mechanisms under AMLA to trace the funds' origin, if needed.