UMNO leaders must explain and prove the amount they are demanding of the RM114 million seized from former party president Najib Razak’s house, said DAP leader Lim Kit Siang today.

The Iskandar Puteri MP said the silence of Umno’s new leadership raises questions as to whether the claim to the money was made on behalf of the Supreme Council or by a proxy on behalf of Najib.

“If the claim is made by Umno, does Umno know how much of the RM114 million in 26 currencies belongs to the party?

“If this claim is not made with the sanction or authority of the new Umno leadership, will the leadership repudiate such a claim, or dare it not say whether the claim was made with or without its authority and approval?”

Lim questioned whether the Umno leadership would show commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability by asking police to investigate the source of the millions and determining whether money had been given in return for certain projects.

“Umno has to clarify whether its claim is limited to the RM114 million in 26 currencies that has been seized by police, or if it also includes the 35 bags containing jewellery and watches, and 284 boxes containing designer handbags.

“This serves as the acid test for Umno, whether it can break away from its kleptocratic past and start anew as a clean and honest party dedicated to integrity, transparency and accountability, whether there is a way the party can reform itself.”

He questioned why no other Barisan Nasional component has dared claim the seized monies as belonging to the coalition, not just Umno.

“This question reflects the nature of the so-called BN ‘coalition’, where one party is the hegemon and the other 12 components are mere minnows.”

The Umno strategic communications unit has requested that police return the seized funds, saying they were obtained from donations for the 14th general election and meant for the management of the party.

“It is disappointing that the remainder of Umno’s campaign funds was confiscated while being transferred to the new Umno leadership, following the resignation of Najib as Umno and BN chief,” it said on the party’s official website yesterday.

The statement said Najib, upon stepping down as party president, had returned RM1.2 billion to Umno and its three million members. – May 26, 2018.