THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has yet to receive a report on the RM90 million allegedly given to PAS by Umno.

An MACC source told The Malaysian Insight that despite the claim, originally made by whistle-blower site Sarawak Report, being widely published in the media, there has yet to be a formal report lodged with the anti-graft agency.

“Those with legitimate evidence are urged to file a report. Don’t simply make claims.”

The source said individuals who wish to provide information are protected by the Whistle-blower Protection Act 2010, and need not reveal their identities.

“We can only initiate an investigation after we’ve received information or a report is lodged.”

On February 1, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang offered to settle his defamation suit against Sarawak Report and its editor, Clare Rewcastle-Brown.

In addition to the out-of-court settlement, he also consented to withdraw his claims against Rewcastle-Brown as the defendant was said to have similarly withdrawn her counterclaims.

Hadi had initiated legal action in the UK over the article titled “As Najib denies all over 1MDB, let’s not forget his many other criminal connections”, which suggested that millions were given to PAS in exchange for the party’s support for Barisan Nasional and former prime minister Najib Razak.

The out-of-court settlement has raised many questions, among them, why did Hadi pull back the suit? Won’t PAS supporters, who donated RM2.1 million for the case to proceed, be disappointed?

Veteran newsman A. Kadir Jasin said the truth can only be known if MACC and police launch investigations.

The communications adviser to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in a blog post, said the claims made Rewcastle-Brown in the suit, including the extravagant spending of PAS leaders, raised questions on the party’s commitment to Islamic principles.

“Even if Hadi is in the dark about the alleged RM90 million donation, the detailed facts and arguments by Rewcastle-Brown are damaging to PAS.

“She revealed how they (PAS leaders) bought houses and cars at a time when PAS members and supporters were asked to contribute to the party’s legal fund in the name of its struggle.”

Najib, in a Facebook post yesterday, denied that he or Umno had paid PAS RM90 million to secure its support, saying it is unfair for the Islamist party to be slandered as such, and that there is no proof that money had changed hands.

“Keep in mind that the Pakatan Harapan government has made very thorough investigations into my accounts and Umno’s in the nine months since the 14th general election.”

Also yesterday, Amanah president Mahfuz Omar urged PAS members with information on the alleged RM90 million transfer to go to the authorities.

He said Hadi’s sudden change of heart by settling the suit made it seem as though the PAS president had taken the money.

“Suddenly, the offer was made and the suit settled. No changes were made to the Sarawak Report article. This is embarrassing and should be explained to PAS members.” – February 5, 2019.