Yapeim funds used for marriage course in Paris, says anti-graft body

NOW director Akmal Nasir has accused Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (Yapeim) of spending RM290,000 to fund a marriage course in Paris. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, November 16, 2015.National Oversight and Whistle-blower (NOW) director Akmal Nasir fired another salvo at Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (Yapeim) today, this time accusing the foundation of spending RM290,000 to fund a marriage course in Paris, France.

This latest allegation came just hours after another Umno minister, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, accused Akmal of being more interested in attacking Putrajaya's minister in charge of Islamic affairs rather than uncovering the truth about alleged misappropriation of funds.

In his press conference today, Akmal cited working papers, which were allegedly approved by Yapeim, in making the allegations. 

"What is the rationale of using Yapeim funds to organise the 14-day marriage course, costing RM290,000 in Paris, France?

"Why are the Yapeim funds used to organise this course paid through Pemangkin?

"Aren't the orphans or poor in Malaysia more eligible and deserving of aid?" he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Akmal said two programmes had been held in Paris at the end of last year and early this year.

The first activity, known as "Kursus dan Kembara Santun 2014" from December 20 to 28 last year, was organised at a cost of RM176,500.

The second, called "Program Transformasi Warga Santun (Tamrin) Kelab Santun Eropah" from December 29 last year to January 3, cost RM113,500.

Akmal also showed Unit Amal Jariah documents from the Islamic foundation which stated that the two activities were to be officiated by Minister in the Prime Minster's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

"Is it true that the two programmes were launched by Jamil Khir?" asked Akmal, urging the minister in charge of Yapeim to answer the allegations.

"My advice to him as the minister is, answer these to the public and not to me in court," he said, describing Jamil Khir's suit against him as a distraction tactic.

Previously, Akmal refused to apologise over allegations that Jamil Khir's trip to the United States last year was funded by Yapeim.

He had alleged that the funds were used for golfing and trips to a luxurious shopping mall in Washington.

Akmal lodged a police report yesterday over the alleged misuse of funds under Yapeim and urged that the minister in charge and the foundation be investigated.

Jamil Khir also lodged a police report and said Akmal was trying to destroy his credibility with false allegations. The minister threatened to sue Akmal over the allegations. – November 16, 2015.