Kedah Umno: How Mukhriz can plead ignorance but not Najib?

Kedah Umno Youth has questioned former Kedah Umno chief Mukhriz Mahathir after the latter pleaded ignorance over the 1MDB funds the state Umno had purportedly received under his watch.

Its chief Mohamad Fadzil Zolkipli said former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak had also pleaded ignorance over the alleged misappropriation of SRC International’s fund, but this was deemed unacceptable.

“Just like the SRC case, Mukhriz had to sign off on the use of the funds in his capacity as (Kedah Umno) chairperson at the time.

“If (Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad) can accept Mukhriz’s statement, then Najib’s statement can also be accepted using the same logic,” he was quoted as saying through the party mouthpiece Umno Online today.

Kedah Umno was among the 41 entities being sued in MACC’s civil forfeiture suit announced on Friday, which is aimed to recover RM270 million that purportedly originated from 1MDB.

Mukhriz, who was Kedah Umno chief from 2013 until 2016, claimed he was unaware that the funds had been channelled into Kedah Umno’s accounts because he had left matters of expenditure and disbursement to its treasurer Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim. 

“When I was state Umno chairperson, there were requirements for funds by the divisions but I left the matter to the treasurer. I do not know his approach but the funds were used by the divisions for mobilisation activities.

“I don't know what happens after that but the funds did not involve any project, contract or other things,” Bernama quoted him as saying on Saturday.

Azeez is currently facing 12 charges of corruption and money laundering that do not appear to be connected to 1MDB. He has claimed trial. 

Najib, meanwhile, is facing a total of 38 charges in relation to the 1MDB and other related scandals. He too has pleaded not guilty.