Bersatu treasurer released by MACC on bail

SHAH ALAM - Bersatu treasurer Mohd Salleh Bajuri who was arrested to aid investigations of the party expenditure has been released on bail by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Friday.

This was informed by Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris when contacted by Sinar on Saturday.

"I was informed Salleh was released on bail and he could return home on Friday,” he said.

Razali described Salleh’s arrest as a means of tarnishing Bersatu’s image in the eyes of the public.

"The reason is to provide a negative view towards Bersatu,” he said.

Razali claimed the money was not placed into Salleh’s personal account.

"From what I understand there was no deposit (of funds) into Salleh’s personal account. He was only taking care of the party’s account and it was audited annually meaning the account is clean without any doubtful deposits.

"Judging by the situation, I expect more Bersatu leaders to be arrested and investigated by the MACC if these methods continue,” he claimed.

Razali urged the government to implement the Political Funding Act to identify the funds or sources obtained by political parties.

"Implement the Political Funding Act. Set a clear explanation on what sources are allowed.

"Political parties should have a compulsory financial resource moving forward. The suggestions on the acts now should be implemented immediately in the Parliament session to ensure to what extent funds can be obtained,” he explained.

It was reported that MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed Salleh’s arrest on Tuesday to aid investigations of the party’s expenditures.

However, sources informed Sinar that the Bersatu leader was arrested when he attended to provide his statement at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

The source added Salleh was then remanded for two days to aid investigations.

On Feb 1, MACC confirmed it had frozen several Bersatu accounts to aid investigations on funds suspected to be obtained illegally.

PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was reported to be called by MACC on Feb 16 to provide his statement regarding the issue of RM300 million Bersatu received.