MACC investigating DEIG over zakat payment
(The Star) – The Darul Ehsan Investment Group (DEIG) is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly paying RM5mil in zakat when the conglomerate has yet to start operations.
Selangor MACC director Datuk Simi Abdul Ghani said investigations were ongoing and the case had been handed over to its headquarters in Putrajaya.
“Sometimes there are cases which we transfer to the headquarters for investigations.
“The MACC deputy chief commissioner (MACC deputy chief commissioner Operations Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull) has commented on the progress,” said Simi.
Mohd Shukri had told a Malay vernacular daily last week that the MACC would find out more about DEIG and the nature of its business before deciding on what to do next.
An MACC source, meanwhile, revealed that the graft-busting agency is looking into the alleged zakat (tithe) payment made by DEIG prior to the Hari Raya celebrations recently.
“We are not investigating any individuals employed by or linked to DEIG but just focusing on the alleged zakat payment,” said the source.
An NGO, Angkatan Rakyat Sedar (ARAS), had lodged a police report that DEIG had paid zakat which was then channelled to PKR divisions in several other states.
“We are finding out if it is true the zakat money was used for political purposes as alleged and not channelled to the needy as it rightfully should be,” said the MACC source.
Selangor Barisan Nasional Sungai Besar assemblyman Budiman Zohdi said it was very confusing why DEIG had paid zakat when Mentri Besar Azmin Ali (pic) claimed the company had not yet started operations.
Zakat payments are made based on a percentage of income earned by companies and individuals
Budiman said the onus was on the Selangor Zakat Board to issue a statement whether or not the allegation of the tithe payment was true or otherwise.
The formation of DEIG, which comes under state investment entity Mentri Besar Incorporated (MBI), had come under fire from many quarters, including Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen.
They had queried Azmin in the recent state assembly sitting on why DEIG was needed when there was already MBI to look into the state’s investment-related matters.
Azmin had given a lengthy explanation on the formation of DEIG and said its purpose was to engage in some joint venture business projects such as property development.
He had added that this was necessary in the best interest of the people because there were instances when private companies which were developing state land did not build any affordable homes for the lower income group.
