MIC will cooperate with the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) in its probe against any party leaders, in connection to the funds abuse in the Socio-Economic Development of the Indian Community Unit (SEDIC).

Party president S Vigneswaran said this would enable MIC to be absolved of any blame in the scandal.

"SEDIC funds came from the government's coffers, for the benefit of the Indian community.

"MIC strived hard to secure the funds, for the sake of the people, and not to fatten the pockets of certain political leaders," Vigneswaran was quoted saying by Malaysia Nanban.

Those found to have had roles in the scandal, including MIC leaders, should be brought to book, he added.

"Those who may have diverted the funds meant for the community, should be punished accordingly.

"This is a treacherous act which the party cannot tolerate," he said.

SEDIC was formed by the previous BN administration in 2014, to provide grants and assistance to Indian NGOs which hold programmes to assist the Indian community. The unit, under the Prime Minister's Department, had been linked with then MIC leaders.

The recent Auditor-General report 2018 Series 1 had shown that grants worth millions of ringgit meant for the upliftment of the Indian community was mismanaged by the unit.

According to the report, SEDIC had no records nor database to monitor some RM203.89 million worth of funds given between 2014 and 2018, to run development programmes for the Indian community, leading to the funds not being utilised for its intended purpose, or going missing.

Tens of millions of funds were also given to unqualified NGO recipients, the report found.

MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya had said that a special task force had been set up to probe allegations in the audit report.

SEDIC has been rebranded as the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) under the Pakatan Harapan administration.

Source: Malaysia Nanban
Photo source: Astro Awani