Khalid (second right) Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad (right) looking at the Kawasaki KLX250 motorbikes after witnessing the handing over of the motorcycles to the Royal Malaysia Police in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Community Awareness Association’s (Empower) office in Petaling Jaya was raided Monday because it was suspected to have received funds from the Open Society Foundations (OSF) founded by billionaire George Soros, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
He said the raid at the NGO’s office by the Federal Police’s (Bukit Aman’s) Classified Crimes Investigation Unit found evidence and seized several documents for further investigation.
“We are in the process of collecting information and after getting sufficient evidence, we will arrest several individuals soon.
“I am advising all to be cautious when dealing with foreign parties as police are also monitoring several other NGOs,” he told the media after witnessing the handing over of 10 Kawasaki KLX250 motorcycles contributed by Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad to the Royal Malaysia Police, here yesterday.
Whistleblower website DC Leaks was reported to have released an expose of Soros’ alleged interest in influencing Malaysia’s elections by funding pressure groups and NGOs.
Touching on the release of Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah on Monday, Khalid said:” We released Maria yesterday before the 28-day detention period as the materials required in the investigation had been obtained and there was no need to hold her any longer”.
He said police had taken the decision to release Maria even though the investigation was still going on and will be handing over the investigation papers to the the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Maria was detained on Nov 18 under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
He said police were also investigating Maria under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 in relation to the Bersih 5 rally held in the city on Nov 19.
Bersih is purportedy an electoral reform movement but has been accused of wanting to topple the elected government. — Bernama