JELI MP Mustapa Mohamed has denied claims made by Umno leader Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that he misappropriated provisions channelled to Kelantan Umno. 

In a statement, the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economic Affairs) said all party funds are managed according to party guidelines including funds for elections, adding the funds were managed by the committee concerned at the liaison body level. 

Yesterday, Zahid alleged that RM30 million, which was part of the funds meant for logistics and intended for bringing voters working or residing in the Klang Valley home to cast their ballots in Kelantan during the 14th general election (GE14), was given to Mustapa’s wife and deposited into a personal account. 

He told the High Court that three MPs, including Mustapa, had quit Umno and joined Bersatu after GE14 to avoid being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Mustapa also denied this allegation and said after GE14, he was called by the MACC and police to give statements on the Trans Sabah Gas Pipeline project and 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

He said the statement made by Zahid, who is Bagan Datuk MP, has been raised before.

“MACC denied his statement in September 2018 and the Kelantan Umno liaison committee secretary at that time had already given an explanation on the management of the funds,” he said.

“Allegations like these are intended to tarnish my reputation as a member of the cabinet and an MP,” Mustapa said.

Mustapa reiterated that he had never been pressured to join Bersatu nor did he misappropriate any funds belonging to Kelantan Umno.

“I’m ready to cooperate with the authorities,” he added. – June 29, 2022.