KUALA LUMPUR - Umno’s conflicting answers regarding the RM2.6 billion deposited in the party president’s personal accounts is confusing Malaysians over the purpose of the funds, according to Utusan Malaysia’s Ku Seman Ku Hussain.
In an editorial published in the Umno-owned newspaper’s weekend edition today, the assistant editor pointed out that the party has been inconsistent in its explanation of the existence and source of the amount.
According to Ku Seman, Umno must also be clear in defining political funds and distinguishing this from personal donations, noting that there is now a tendency to conflate the two.
“Even from the beginning, the Wall Street Journal only said personal account. But all levels of Umno leaders denied the ‘accusation’ and considered it ‘unthinkable’.
“Ironically, when the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) verified it, Umno is now admitting the money is for the party,” Ku Seman wrote in the “Anekdot Ahad” column today.
Citing a response by Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad who said the Umno leadership was not informed of donations, Ku Seman noted that the response negated efforts by BN strategy and communications director Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan to clarify the funds to the public.
According to Ku Seman, Umno must also be clear in defining political funds and distinguishing this from personal donations, noting that there is now a tendency to conflate the two.
He said that while the minister had toiled in a televised programme this week to explain that the donations were a normal occurrence that traces back to the time of other party presidents, Shahrir’s response had rendered this irrelevant.
The Utusan assistant editor also urged Umno to move away from financing itself in this manner, saying it cannot be assumed that contributions made to individuals are the party’s property when its leaders are not aware of the funds’ existence.
“Umno can find other funds to help the party and that are channelled according to proper procedures, even if political funding is actually not entirely proper.
“But if Umno leaders say that this is practised the world over, then so be it,” he added.
The MACC said in separate statements this week that RM2.6 billion that had been deposited in the personal accounts of Umno’s president did not come from a state-owned firm, but was a donation from a Middle Eastern source. - Malay Mail
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