MALAYSIAN Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki said the agency was prepared to justify its freezing of assets belonging to Aman Palestin Bhd.

He said the action was taken to facilitate investigations in accordance with section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which permits an enforcement agency to issue an order to freeze any property of any person.

“This is the normal action taken in any investigation if needed,” he said in a statement.

Yesterday, Aman Palestin at a press conference in Bangi gave the MACC a three-day ultimatum to unfreeze its account, which has been blocked since November 23, or it would pursue legal action.

Azam said the MACC was conducting investigations in a professional and fair manner without any ill will towards any party.

“It is up to any party to take legal action (against the MACC) if they feel it is needed,” he said.

He said the MACC was entrusted to investigate fairly and firmly any issue of malpractice and abuse of power, especially in public interest cases involving the leakage of funds.

On November 23, the MACC froze 41 bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin and other companies, involving more than RM15 million. – Bernama, November 28, 2023.