Cops obtain three-day remand for Mandiri directors in Amla probe

 

Police today obtained a three-day remand order against Mandiri executive director Amir Hariri Abdul Hadi and finance director Dobby Chew over investigations into the alleged receipt of illicit funds.

Mandiri coordinator Wong Kueng Hui confirmed that the order was granted during proceedings at the Jinjang lock-up in Kuala Lumpur, where the pair had been held following their arrest yesterday.

“Three days remand until Sept 25 (Friday), subject to a request for extension by the police,” Wong told Malaysiakini.

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail confirmed the arrests and said police were investigating Mandiri Development Centre Sdn Bhd, the company under which Mandiri, a youth-led NGO, is registered.

Khalid (below) said the two were arrested at 3.53pm yesterday by Bukit Aman’s Anti-Money Laundering Criminal Investigation Team to assist an investigation under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla).

“An investigation paper was opened on Sept 10 following a police report based on a review of the company’s receipt of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities between 2024 and 2026,” he said in a statement today.

He said police would investigate anyone suspected of involvement, including in the storage, transfer, use, deposit, or withdrawal of funds believed to be linked to unlawful activities.

The police chief also urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information while investigations are ongoing.

Following the arrests, various groups and politicians have voiced solidarity with Mandiri, describing the case as alleged intimidation linked to the organisation’s criticism of the government on various issues.

Among them, PKR’s Semambu assemblyperson Chan Chun Kang reminded the government and authorities of their duty to avoid any perception that state agencies were being used to punish or intimidate critics. - Mkini