DAP rep’s aide accused of embezzling funds

The DAP disciplinary committee grills Lee Suan Ba, a special assistant to Teratai assemblywoman Jenice Lee, over accusation he misappropriated funds meant to build a retaining wall.

KUALA LUMPUR: An aide to DAP Teratai assemblywoman Jenice Lee was today summoned to face the party’s disciplinary committee over accusations of embezzlement and misconduct.

The aide, Lee Suan Ba, was accused of misappropriating a portion of RM32,000 meant for building a retaining wall in Taman Seraya, Cheras, in 2011.

Jenice was also asked to testify as a witness in the same case for issuing a support letter in favour of the project.

Suan Ba has denied any misconduct and the disciplinary committee headed by Tan Kok Wai has fixed next week to hear the case again.

At a press conference after the hearing, Tan said the three families in Taman Seraya had sought Suan Ba’s assistance to build the retaining wall near their houses.

It was learnt that the wall was needed to prevent passers-by from throwing objects at the three houses which were situated below a busy road.

Tan said Suan Ba brought the families to meet Jenice, who allegedly issued the support letter for the project to help them obtain approval from the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council.

“Suan Ba then collected some RM32,000 from the three families. It was alleged that he then undertook the construction of the wall with the help of a freelance contractor and that he took a portion of the money.

“However, he had denied the allegation,” Tan said.

He said it was also claimed that the construction of the wall was illegal because the land on which the wall was to be built belonged to the Department of Land and Mines, a federal agency.

When met by reporters, Suan Ba denied the accusations, saying he was merely helping the people.

Jenice also denied any wrongdoings on her part and suspected a political conspiracy to prevent her from standing in the coming general election.