Call For Probe Into Foreign Fund Flows Not A Threat To Democracy -AMK

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Bernama) -- Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) has stressed that its call to investigate foreign fund flows to private companies allegedly misused for political propaganda and unlawful activities is not a threat to the democratic system or the principles of freedom.

AMK chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said that as a responsible civil society, such a call was justified rather than allowing the allegations to spread without any investigation or action.

He said the statement by four former leaders of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0), which likened the call to previous regimes (administrations), was inaccurate and deviated from the original context, besides contradicting the values long championed by the movement.

“I am not sure whether they truly examined the entire statement rationally and fairly, or whether certain parties influenced them by distorting the statement and hiding behind the term ‘civil society organisation’ to divert attention from the allegations currently circulating,” he said in a statement today.

Four former Bersih 2.0 leaders today criticised the PKR Youth wing's call for authorities to investigate allegations of foreign fund channelling linked to attempts to shape domestic political narratives, describing it as contrary to the founding principles of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as a political platform to uphold justice.

Muhammad Kamil said his call never suggested that enforcement agencies should arbitrarily raid any non-governmental organisation (NGO) receiving foreign funds.

“PKR began as a political platform supported by mass movements and civil society organisations that remained steadfast with the principles of the reform agenda.

“We have never denied the contributions and services of civil society organisations in raising awareness and nurturing democratic understanding in the country, while supporting the reform agenda,” he said.

According to Muhammad Kamil, the issue raised by AMK involved allegations touching on national sovereignty and security.

“It must be remembered that democracy and freedom do not mean any party is free to cross certain lines that could threaten the country’s security and peace,” he said.

-- BERNAMA