Opposition leader, family’s bank accounts frozen by IRB

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has frozen the bank accounts belonging to an opposition leader and his family members, according to news reports.

Sources privy to the matter, meanwhile, confirmed to Malaysiakini that the politician concerned is Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin.

The source also said the freeze was imposed starting today.

The move is believed to be related to MACC’s ongoing investigations against the politician.

Malaysiakini has contacted MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki for comment.

‘A political target’

Earlier, The Star quoted sources claiming that an opposition leader and his family members’ accounts had been frozen, but the report did not name the politician concerned.

While IRB had declined to comment on the matter, stating that only those involved could confirm this, “sources close to the leader” reportedly told the English-language daily that it was true.

“Yes, it happened, but he is not bothered by it. I am sure he has alternatives, hence why he is not worried about the frozen accounts,” the source claimed.

Meanwhile, Sinar Harian quoted a source as stating that it would not come as a surprise if the politician concerned was Hamzah (top picture).

“... Hamzah is a political target,” the source added.

In June, Malaysiakini reported that IRB officials had raided Hamzah’s residence in Kuala Lumpur, during which files as well as documents pertaining to accounts and asset ownership were purportedly seized.

Earlier this month, Hamzah, who is the parliamentary opposition leader, sent a letter of demand to the government and MACC chief commissioner, accusing them of abusing their powers to prosecute him for crimes he did not commit.

The former home minister claimed that a businessperson was also subjected to abuse under detention to implicate him in wrongdoings that he did not commit.

Claiming that he is being “selectively prosecuted”, Hamzah said he sent the legal letter to demand the authorities to “cease and desist” from allegedly trying to defame him. - Mkini