MACC identifies RM2.6 billion donor - Ahmad Zahid tells Dewan Rakyat

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified the individual who contributed RM2.6 billion as a political fund to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

This is according to an announcement made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Dewan Rakyat according to Rules of Meetings 14(1)(i), which is the explanation by ministers.

“On August 4, 2015, MACC had informed that the RM2.6 billion sum credited into the Prime Minister’s account was not from 1MDB.

“The government has been advised by the Attorney-General to abstain from releasing any statement as the matter is still under investigation by the agency.

“I. however find it necessary to announce that MACC has identified the RM2.6 billion political fund donor,” said Zahid.

He added that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has been informed about the opening of the bank account.

As such, it is of his opinion that investigating agencies should be given ample space to perform a transparent investigation.

“Relevant agencies should be given freedom to conduct a transparent investigation without any interference

“Any statements made by any party pertaining to this matter may be considered as subjudice and may hamper the investigation and is prejudiced against the agencies involved,” explained Zahid.

Zahid also explained in any democratic practice, political parties are allowed to accept political funding, including the Opposition.

He said, currently, there are no laws in Malaysia requiring any political fund acceptance to be declared and no ban on the usage of donations for political purposes.

Najib has repeatedly urged for the establishment of laws relating to political funding in order to control the acceptance of such funding for political purposes.

He also said he had suggested this four years ago but it was rebuked by the Opposition, and that they would only highlight the issue when the matter is related to UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN).