News Brief
Malaysia Cracks Down On Pro-Palestinian NGO, Freezes Bank Accounts Amidst Allegations Of Misappropriating $14.9 Million
Nayan Dwivedi
Nov 23, 2023, 04:02 PM | Updated 04:02 PM IST
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In a significant development, Malaysia's anti-corruption agency, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, has taken action by freezing numerous bank accounts associated with the pro-Palestinian non-governmental organisation (NGO) Aman Palestin.
This move comes as part of an investigation into the potential misappropriation of approximately 70 million ringgit (US $14.9 million) in funds garnered through public donations.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), prompted by allegations of fund misuse, has identified issues suggesting the diverted use of funds beyond the NGO's original objectives.
Aman Palestin, formed in 2004, is now under investigation for corruption and money laundering, carrying severe penalties.
The frozen funds, are spread across 41 bank accounts linked to Aman Palestin and other entities.
Notably, Malaysian government, which is deeply invested in the Israel-Gaza conflict, has been actively advocating for a ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has earlier reiterated the country's steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause, rejecting external pressure to alter the Malayasian position on Palestinians and militant group Hamas.
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Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
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