Do not politicise issue of funds to NAAM - Ahmad Shabery

All quarters have been urged to not politicise the issue of a RM19 million fund to the New Affirmative Action Movement (NAAM) foundation to train and turn out young entrepreneurs from among the Indian community in the country.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said a report could be lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission if there were elements of abuse of power.

"We leave it to the authorities to investigate. They (opposition) don't have to politicise the matter and blame NAAM. On the other hand, they should pay attention to the states under their own administration.

"If they are not keen on agricultural projects, I suggest they carry out large scale affordable home projects," he told the media after a working visit to the fertigation chili pioneer project site here, Wednesday.

Recently, a report claiming a conflict of interest on the issuance of funds for a chili planting programme under NAAM which is chaired by Deputy Youth and Sport Minister Datuk M.Saravanan.

Saravanan, who was also present during the visit said the fund had been used in 2014 for the purpose of training youth and the ministry only played a monitoring role to ensure the project went according to plans.

"I only want to state here that NAAM's account had been audited by the ministry and we ourselves have carried out internal and external audit on our foundation, so in terms of transparency there is no issue," he said.

He said NAAM's main purpose was to help youth by giving skills training in a field of their own choice.

"If seen today, our fertigation chili project for example, had been successful in giving new opportunities for youths and we hope this project can open the eyes of youths to venture into agriculture," he said.