Suaram probe widens

SUARA Inisiatif Sdn Bhd, a business set-up linked to human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), will be asked to submit relevant documents to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) soon.

   (NST) -  This follows claims that Suaram is not a non-governmental organisation, but an entity registered as a company called Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd with a paid-up capital of RM2.

  A Bernama report quoted CCM public relations chief Mohamad Shahren Mohamad Yusri as saying last night that the notice on the matter would be served on the company under Section 7B (2) of the Companies Act 1965.

  The commission had issued a statement earlier yesterday which said its inspection of Suara Inisiatif's premises, where Suaram's office is located, on Tuesday, was just a routine check and not a raid, as reported by online news portals.

  It said it did not need a warrant to enter the company's premises.

  "Under Section 7(b) of the Companies Act 1965, CCM inspection officers are allowed to enter business premises to conduct routine checks without a warrant.

  "The inspection was to ensure the company had abided by the provisions under the Companies Act."

  "This is not accurate, as the inspection was not conducted on Suaram, but on the company registered as Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd.

  "Under the Companies Act 1965 and other laws, all parties are expected to give their cooperation to CCM inspection officers carrying out their duties."

  Suaram alleged that it had been targeted by CCM after its role in the Scorpene submarine purchase issue.

  "Suaram has flourished for 23 years  through donations from public and private sources and is fully accountable to our founders.

  "We have nothing to hide and are prepared to comply with requirements specified under the law in submitting our fully audited records."

  The organisation had recently been accused by a Malay rights group of not being a legitimate non-governmental organisation.

  Jaringan Melayu Malaysia president Azwanddin Hamzah Said said Suaram had deceived the public into believing it was an independent human rights organisation, after it had registered as a company and not a society.

  He said Suaram had raised suspicion as many of its members were opposition party leaders.

  Independent Bayan Baru member of parliament  Datuk Seri Zahrain Hashim had called on Suaram to apologise to the prime minister for lying about the connection between him, the Scorpene submarine purchase and Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.