Gaza Humanitarian Trust Fund Managed, Audited Transparently - Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Foreign Ministry has assured that the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP) is managed transparently and subject to strict monitoring mechanisms, including audits by the Auditor-General and regular reporting to the Cabinet.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said allegations over the management of the fund are incorrect because the AAKRP is a government-managed trust account and not an account operated independently by any organisation.

He said the ministry also ensures that humanitarian assistance is delivered to its intended recipients.

“That is why assistance is channelled directly through agencies such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), the Palestine Red Crescent Society and King Hussein Hospital,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time today.

He said this in response to a supplementary question by Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) on the delivery of assistance funds to Palestinians.

Mohamad said Malaysia has also delivered food, medical aid, and health equipment to Gaza, with some earlier-delayed consignments now successfully sent following the reopening of overland humanitarian routes, coordinated with the Egyptian government.

Mohamad said Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains critical, with basic infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and houses of worship heavily damaged as a result of the ongoing conflict.

He urged the public not to be misled by inaccurate social media claims about the AAKRP’s management, stressing that the fund is managed professionally and responsibly to aid those in need in Palestine.

-- BERNAMA