Reveal details who got the RM12m, urges Kit Siang

The Gelang Patah MP asks whether the Islamic body which received the RM12 million serves as a front for militant group Abu Sayyaf.

PETALING JAYA: DAP elder statesman Lim Kit Siang is demanding that Putrajaya disclose more details in regards to the RM12 million that was channelled to an Islamic body in the Philippines.

In a statement, the DAP veteran also questioned whether the Islamic body served as a front for militant group Abu Sayyaf to receive the RM12 million sum.

“Was ransom money paid to Abu Sayyaf for the release of the four Sarawakian hostages and is the Islamic body which received the RM12 million a front for Abu Sayyaf?”

Concrete answers over the matter are imperative in order to gain the people’s trust in the upcoming Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections, he said.

“If Malaysians cannot fully trust the Malaysian Government on this issue, can they trust any word and promises by Putrajaya? Including the by-election promises made in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar?”

The Gelang Patah MP subsequently questioned Putrajaya’s ability to ensure the safety of Malaysians.

“Why has Putrajaya lost the capacity to protect the safety and security of Malaysian nationals in their homeland and waters, including the fishermen from Sungai Besar who are often captured by Indonesian authorities?”

Lim reminded Putrajaya that Malaysians want guaranteed security and safety from such incidents.

“What the people want is not just ‘band aid’ measures to secure the release of Malaysians from captivity, whether from Abu Sayyaf or the Indonesian authorities, but full safety and security for Malaysians in their homeland and waters.”

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the RM12 million raised by the families of the four hostages were channelled to a welfare body in the Philippines which assists in Islamic struggles.

The four who were abducted – Wong Teck Kang, 31; Wong Teck Chii, 29; Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21; and Wong Hung Sing, 34 – were kidnapped on April 1 and released last Tuesday night after multiple negotiations between the militants and Malaysian and Filipino authorities.

The uncle of one of the hostages confirmed to the press that they had paid out RM12 million to Special Branch officers in Sandakan to be used as ransom for the release of the four kidnap victims.