MALAYSIA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on 14 October has raided two safe houses, including an office, and seized RM321,000 (US$74,500) in both foreign and local currencies as part of its investigation into a case involving Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), a body established to administer the assets and investments of the state government.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki announced on 15 October 2024, that RM78,000 was found in the office, while the remaining S$74,000 (about RM243,000)  was located at the other safe house.

“We also received information that a certain amount of money was used for investments in Singapore, but I cannot disclose the full amount or its owner,” Mr Azam told the media when attending a convention in Kota Kinabalu.

The case also reportedly involves a prominent politician.

Earlier, on 13 October, it was reported that the MACC discovered RM5 million (approximately US$1,164,075) in foreign currency during a raid at a condominium unit in Kuala Lumpur, also linked to the prominent politician involved in the corruption probe.

According to local media, MACC stated that one of the suspects arrested revealed that the condominium unit was used as a safe house to store the proceeds of corruption, while the money was also used to fund political activities.

It is believed that the prominent politician instructed a businessman to store the money, which was given by an unidentified individual at the apartment, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.

Former MBI Senior Executive Among Two Arrested in Sand Mining Concession Probe

Previously, Sinar Harian reported that a former MBI senior executive was among the two individuals arrested by MACC in an investigation into a sand mining concession granted by a subsidiary of the state investment body.

The two arrested individuals—one being a businessman—were allegedly linked to a prominent opposition leader with political influence in Selangor, according to local media.

When asked whether the anti-graft agency had summoned the politician involved for its investigation, Mr Azam stated on 14 October that this would only occur when sufficient evidence is available.

“I certainly will not reject or deny that he will be called in, but only after my team or the investigating officer is satisfied with several more findings, including related documents and funds. ”

“As of now, around 15 witnesses have already been called, and I expect many more will be summoned for the investigation,” he said.

Mr Azam also did not disclose whether the individual is currently in government or if more politicians are involved.

“We think we will discover more at the other ‘safe houses’. We are still conducting investigations. Other ‘safe houses’ may have potentially been used to store the proceeds,” Mr Azam was quoted as saying by Harian Metro.

He added that the two suspects who were detained have already been released. One of them is a 43-year-old male driver, while the other is a 46-year-old former financial officer at a firm that secured the sand mining concession several years ago, according to Free Malaysia Today.

MALAYSIA: A Palestinian woman involved in a disturbance at Wisma Transit, Kuala Lumpur, has issued an apology and expressed deep regret for her actions.

According to NST, the woman, identified as Aminah Muhammad Nafi’ Jamal Abd Rabah, was one of 127 Palestinians brought to Malaysia for medical treatment after sustaining injuries in the ongoing conflict with Israel.

A video that has been circulating on social media since 2 October shows a group of Palestinians involved in a confrontation with security personnel.

Some of them were seen behaving aggressively, including throwing slippers at an enforcement officer and damaging property.

According to reports, the incident was driven by frustration after the group was denied permission to stay outside the designated Wisma Transit Kuala Lumpur (WTKL) premises.

The Woman Apologizes for Disturbance, Attributes Actions to Emotional Distress from Family Separation

Speaking in a TikTok video, Aminah explained that her actions stemmed from personal distress, specifically due to her inability to contact her children, who remain in Gaza.

She emphasised that her behaviour was not intentional, and that it was a product of the difficult situation she and her fellow Palestinians were experiencing.

“I apologise and deeply regret what I did. I swear to God, I did not do it intentionally. We are going through a very difficult situation that only Allah knows,” she said in the clip.

Aminah further expressed her gratitude towards Malaysians for their generosity and respect.

She acknowledged that the treatment she and others had received from the country had been exemplary.

“I swear in the name of Allah, we are receiving the best care. What I say comes sincerely from my heart. You have treated us Palestinians with kindness, respect, and appreciation. ”

“You have fulfilled your duties responsibly, but we were the ones who wronged you,” she added.

@tahreergh

Dengan segala hormat kepada ATM dan semua pihak yang terlibat dalam kes perempuan Palestin yang menjadi viral 2 hari yang lepas di Wisma Putra Malaysia.. saya nak kongsi video perempuan yang sama tapi kali ni content video dia lain sangat dari video yg viral tu .. Rasulullah SAW bersabda: كُلُّ ابْنِ آدَمَ خَطَّاءٌ وَخَيْرُ الْخَطَّائِينَ التَّوَّابُونَ. Maksud hadis ini adalah: Setiap anak Adam (yakni manusia) pasti melakukan kesalahan, sedangkan sebaik-baik orang yang melakukan kesalahan adalah orang yang bertaubat. Hadis riwayat Al-Tirmizi. Ujian besar buat manusia adalah keupayaan untuk memaafkan orang yang membuat salah kepada beliau .. semoga Allah memberi keupayaan ini kepada kami semua.. Walau menjadi apa2 pon, kami rakyat Palestin tetap sayang Malaysia dan rakyat Malaysia.. ikhlas dari hati tahu 🥹🇲🇾🇵🇸 TahreerGh Gh

♬ original sound – TahreerGh – TahreerGh

The disturbance at Wisma Transit has drawn significant attention, leading to a formal apology from the Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, Walid Abu Ali.

In a statement, he reassured Malaysians that the incident did not reflect Palestinian values.

“I apologise on behalf of all Palestinians in Malaysia and back home for what occurred. This is not our culture, ethics, or beliefs,” he stated.

Walid emphasised the deep gratitude Palestinians feel towards Malaysia for its continuous support of their cause.

Since August 2023, Malaysia has taken in 127 Palestinians, including 41 individuals injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Many of the patients were transferred to Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital for treatment, while their relatives were accommodated at various hotels.

“For their own security and safety, the patients were kept in the healthcare facility with restricted movements and limited visitors,” he said.

Many have been in Malaysia since their arrival and have had limited opportunities to leave the hospital.

Walid noted that the patients, having come from war-torn Gaza, were under significant emotional stress, which may have contributed to their behaviour.

He also highlighted that some individuals were struggling to adjust to a completely new culture and environment, exacerbating their emotional challenges.

The Palestinian Embassy in Malaysia, according to Walid, has been closely coordinating with Malaysian authorities to support the patients and their families.

Embassy staff regularly visit the patients and assist with their needs to the best of their ability.

Walid also reassured the Malaysian public that the embassy is working to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“My message to Malaysians is that such an incident will not happen again. We love Malaysia and its people. However, please consider that these individuals have come under immense pressure due to the ongoing war. They need special care,” Walid stated.