THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened another 17 investigation papers on the misappropriation of Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds.

MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki said with this update, at least 27 investigation papers are being processed.

“We expect many entities related to the Mitra fund misappropriation matter to be prosecuted in court when the investigation papers are done and submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“Ten investigation papers have been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor, while 17 have yet to be completed.”

On October 15, the anti-graft body said it has opened an investigation paper on allegations of misuse of Mitra funds. On October 25, it arrested 16 company directors.

The claims centred on an estimated tens of millions of ringgit meant for allocations to implement socio-economic programmes for the Indian community in Malaysia, but were misused.

The MACC investigation focused on grants worth more than RM203 million that were released for 337 programmes since 2019.

It is divided into two phases; Phase 1 focuses on 27 associations, companies and non-governmental organisations that received between RM1 million and RM9 million each.

MACC has suggested 10 companies be prosecuted as of last month, covering an allocation of RM26 million.

The anti-graft body said its investigation has found that most of the offenses involve the use of fake documents and misuse of grants for personal purposes.

It also covers applications, expenditure reports and programmes allegedly implemented by grant recipients from 2019 to this year, it added.

Phase 2 will be carried out in collaboration with the National Unity Ministry, via the establishment of a special committee that will validate the use of Mitra grants, involving an allocation of less than RM1 million.

Mitra was formed with the aim of improving the socio-economic status of the Indian community. In 2018, it was restructured by the Pakatan Harapan governemnt and placed under the Prime Minister’s Department.

But from April last year, the unit was placed under the National Unity Ministry.

Mitra is estimated to receive a budget of RM100 million a year. – November 26, 2021.