KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu Youth has filed a police report against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on alleged improper channelling of public funds to Umno’s volunteers’ wing, known as Skuad Sabil.
According to a copy of the police report filed by Bersatu Youth member, Meor Naqiuddin, Zahid, who is Umno president, is accused of enriching the volunteer group using government funds allocated for allowances for the Civil Defence Force.
Meor, who is aide to Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, filed it at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters today.
In his report, he said the political volunteer group should not be funded by federal funds as it is not afforded the same powers as government uniformed bodies such as the Royal Malaysia Police, the Civil Defence Force or the People’s Volunteer Corps.
“Skuad Sabil is an organ of Umno, a political party, and not part of the government’s enforcement authorities. Under the law, the squad is not a uniformed body recognised by the Prime Minister’s Department or the Home Ministry.
“The squad should be paid by (Umno) as it only handles work related to the party and not work that specifically concerns the federal government,” Meor’s report stated.
When winding up the Umno 2024 annual general assembly last week, Zahid announced that Skuad Sabil would be considered as part of the Civil Defence Force and be given allowances when it assisted the force in disaster relief and humanitarian work.
Most recently, the volunteer squad helped rebuild bridges that collapsed in Slim River, Perak, after heavy rainfall and a burst dam caused flash floods .
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, is the minister who oversees the Civil Defence Force which is housed under the Prime Minister’s Department. – August 30, 2024