Nothing to hide, says Muhyiddin as Bersatu confident of vindication in MACC probe

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has denied claims that the party received billions of ringgit linked to Covid-19 stimulus packages, expressing confidence that it will be vindicated by the outcome of the investigation launched by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"I believe the investigation into the Bersatu accounts will find there are no billions of ringgit in the party's account. If there are, it would be strange, and we would be rich. But there are none.

"We have submitted the audited accounts presented at the general assembly. There is nothing unusual," Muhyiddin told reporters after a meeting with Perikatan Nasional leaders today.

He also said MACC was aware of the amount of money in Bersatu both before and after the freeze order.

Yesterday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that the anti-graft agency had frozen Bersatu's bank accounts pending a money laundering probe.

But Azam reportedly denied that the investigation was linked to allegations that the party had benefitted from the misuse of Covid-19 stimulus funds.

Allegations that Bersatu had used some RM600 billion in funds from Covid-19 stimulus packages were raised during the peak of the general election campaign last year. 

The claim was repeated by Pakatan Harapan leader Anwar Ibrahim, who later said there had been "tens of billions" allocated by the previous government that violated procedures.

Muhyiddin said Bersatu's financial transactions had been transparent, adding that this would be proven by the financial statements and other documents handed over to MACC.

"It is Bersatu's policy that every contribution to the party must be channelled into the party's account. No political funds go into my personal account or that of party officials," Muhyiddin said, alluding to the revelation that billions of ringgit had been deposited into former Umno president Najib Razak's account. The former prime minister had claimed that the money was a donation for the party.

Muhyiddin also said the party had applied to MACC for the freeze order to be revoked, adding that it was having problems paying day-to-day administration costs. 

"We don't have any money. We need to cover our administrative costs, not just for a month, but for the long term. 

"If the accounts are frozen for three months, it will be very difficult," he said, adding that Bersatu would also have trouble playing its role as an important party in the country. 

With state elections looming, he added, he hoped that the probe was not politically motivated.