Bersatu’s financial position ‘critical’, says treasurer Rina

Bersatu’s bank accounts have been frozen by MACC as part of its probe into the party linked to the Covid-19 stimulus packages.

(FMT) – Bersatu is in a “critical” financial position as its accounts are still frozen by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, said party treasurer Rina Harun.

Rina said Bersatu has found it difficult to carry out activities, particularly at the grassroots level.

The former women, family and community development minister said steps should be taken to generate financial resources, including getting Bersatu divisions to start businesses.

“I will find ways to resolve this problem,” she said at the Bersatu general assembly here today.

“I also want to mobilise the treasurers at the state and division levels to generate income and economic activity, at least to allow the divisions to function independently.”

Yesterday, Rompin Bersatu chief Abdul Khalib Abdullah proposed that all divisions and committees begin raising funds since the party’s accounts are frozen.

The party organised a donation drive at the start of the general assembly on Friday.

In February 2023, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that several bank accounts held by Bersatu had been seized after they were frozen as part of the agency’s investigation into the party.

The probe is linked to the alleged misappropriation of funds for Covid-19 stimulus packages amounting to RM92.5 billion by the former Perikatan Nasional-led government.

Bersatu later filed an application in the High Court to challenge the MACC over the freezing of its accounts, accusing it of abusing its powers to conduct “selective prosecution” against PN.