24-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Aman Palestin, a Malaysian non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2004 to provide aid and support to Palestinians, is currently under investigation by authorities for alleged corruption and money laundering. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) announced on 23 November that it has frozen a total of 41 bank accounts associated with the pro-Palestinian NGO, which amounts to RM15.87 million.
The investigation by MACC is part of an ongoing probe into the misappropriation of approximately RM70 million in funds that were raised through public donations. These funds were intended to support the objectives of Aman Palestin but were allegedly diverted for other purposes. The NGO’s stated activities include offering emergency relief, welfare assistance, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians who continue to face conflict with Israel, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
MACC has been conducting the investigation under several applicable laws, including the MACC Act 2009, Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA), and Act 574 of the Penal Code, which deals with criminal offenses. As part of their inquiry, MACC has conducted a search at Aman Palestin’s premises, obtained financial and operational management documents spanning the past five years, and recorded statements from key witnesses.
The official statement from MACC highlighted that the preliminary investigation has uncovered various issues related to the misappropriation of funds amounting to approximately RM70 million. In response to concerns raised prior to the investigation, Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin instructed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) to disallow Aman Palestin from collecting funds in places of worship and other religious premises within the state, according to the New Straits Times.
Mohd Asri expressed apprehension regarding the NGO’s fundraising and fund distribution practices, emphasizing the need for greater transparency in these matters. Consequently, the state religious authority temporarily suspended Aman Palestin’s fundraising activities in Perlis starting from 12 October.
Aman Palestin, prior to the investigation, has expressed its willingness to fully cooperate with the authorities. They stated that they have been directly channeling aid and donations to Palestinians through their office in Gaza. Muhd Farhan Muhd Fadhil, the Marketing General Manager of Aman Palestin, stated to the New Straits Times that the NGO is awaiting the outcome of the probe and remains hopeful for a positive resolution.
Awang Sufian Awang Piut, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Aman Palestin, informed Bernama that the organization’s office in Gaza serves as a collection center for relief items, which are subsequently distributed to recipients. He emphasized that they deliver aid directly to Palestinians without involving the Palestinian Embassy in Malaysia. Awang Sufian further asserted that all relief projects adhere to prescribed operating procedures, and the NGO maintains its own office in Palestine to ensure the swift delivery of aid to Gaza, the West Bank, and other areas in need.
