Allegedly used RM800,000 of funds to pay off personal credit cards, and claimed to have met a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family who is said to have donated money to Najib.
Newly-elected Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today confirmed that he has been summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to record his statement.
He said that he has been requested to clarify certain issues related to a welfare foundation owned by his family members.
“The foundation was established for activities such as building mosques, tahfiz schools, orphanages and other welfare activities including coordinating donations.
“The funds in my family foundation were contributed by me and several friends who are also interested in doing good deeds.
“I will discuss that with the MACC tomorrow,” he said.
It was reported that the former deputy prime minister will be asked to explain allegations that funds from the foundation were used to pay off credit cards belonging to him and his wife amounting to more than RM800,000 between 2014 and 2015.
It is understood that several documents showing payment transactions for him and his wife have been found.
Zahid is the chairman of the foundation, which he claims is “run according to shariah laws”.
Records showed the foundation was registered in 1997 and its role is to receive and administer funds to eradicate poverty.
Reportedly, investigations into the alleged misappropriation were initiated earlier this year.
MACC officers are also expected to take statements on Zahid’s purported meeting with a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family who is said to have donated money to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Investigators will also be asking about a statement which he made about him meeting a Saudi prince. We would like to find out more about this person whom he is said to have met and what transpired during the meeting,” said a source.
On Aug 22, 2015, Dr Ahmad Zahid, who was speaking at the opening of Sri Gading Umno division, said that he had met the wealthy Arab family who donated US$700 million that was channelled into Najib’s personal account.
He said the family – who he did not name – had donated the money because of Malaysia’s commitment to fighting terrorism and being a moderate Muslim country with a plural society.
Earlier report: June 30, MACC to Question Umno Ex-Senior Minister over Alleged Misappropriation of Funds