Money for GE14.
The RM3.5 million allegedly taken by security officers responsible for guarding the Prime Minister’s Office on the night of the 14th general election belonged to Umno, says former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
In a statement to Malaysiakini, Najib expressed disbelief that the money was taken by those entrusted with securing the premises.
“I also read in news reports that the authorities acknowledge that this RM3.5 million is Umno election funds that were in my previous office and outside the strong room and safes in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“If the authorities know these are Umno funds, then they will also know that the RM114 million that was seized by the police in the raids at the apartments came from the strong room and safes built by (Tun Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) in the PMO too.
“The cash was seized after being hurriedly transferred from the PMO to the apartments the day after the elections for eventual transfer to the new Umno president,” he was quoted as saying.
Najib was referring to a report which alleged that 17 security personnel had taken the money upon learning that BN was losing the general election. Sources from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had said the money was part of Umno’s election funds.
The RM114 million was in reference to cash seized together with luxury watches, handbags, and jewellery from several properties linked to Najib after the election.
Najib called for the suspects to be given a fair trial. He also urged the authorities to return the RM3.5 million, plus as the RM114 million to Umno.
“There are still a lot of bills and commitments incurred during GE14 over the 222 parliament seats and 505 state seats, that need to be paid.
“As I no longer have access to some of my offices then, I am not sure why the RM3.5mil was not stored in the safes with the rest of the other campaign funds but I believe it could have been a late campaign contribution sent over,” he was quoted as saying.
The 17 security personnel aged between 31 and 51 were said to have shared the money among themselves on the morning of May 10.
So far, MACC officers seized some RM840,700 and nine motorcycles, worth RM90,000 in the course of the investigation.
Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he was in the dark over the millions kept in the PM’s office and is not sure if the cash belongs to Umno
“It is best if we leave it to the authorities,” said the former Home Minister.
Earlier report: 8 Aug, Security Team in PM’s Dept Arrested in RM3.5M Graft Case