Suaram in a response to a pressure group’s “nonsensical allegations” has dared public officials claimed to have been bribed by the human rights NGO to come forward.

NONE“Suaram challenges Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM) to substantiate their allegations, and demands an immediate apology and retraction of the allegations should JMM fails to do so.

“We also would like to suggest to all officials alleged to have been bribed by Suaram to come forth and respond to JMM’s nonsensical allegations,” said the NGO’s executive director Nalini Elumalai (right) in a statement last night.

According to mainstream media reports today, JMM has alleged that Suaram has received RM100 million in foreign funds, part of which had been used to “bribe” up to 10 officials from various agencies, including the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM).

Utusan's frontpage report 

Umno-owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia today ran a front-page report of JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah making the allegation during a news conference held at JMM’s headquarters in Kota Damansara yesterday.

“We received this information from a former member of Suaram. The money was believed to be brought in by Suaram’s leaders through neighbouring countries,” Azwanddin was quoted as saying by Utusan.

“What is worrying is that the money is believed to be used to bribe several government officials to make decisions in favour of Suaram’s interest as well as to obtain information on national secrets.”

According to another Malay daily Sinar Harian, Azwanddin named government organisations National Registration Department, the Prime Minister’s Office and Bank Negara as places whose officials had allegedly been bribed by Suaram.

In a separate report by Berita Harian, CCM’s chief executive director Mohd Naim Daruwish also expressed “shock” that officials from his agency were said to be involved.

“I have no knowledge about this and this is news to me; it is definitely shocking to CCM,” Mohd Naim told Berita Harian, saying he viewed the accusation seriously and was ready to cooperate with MACC on the matter.