Shahrir: Nothing wrong with receiving funds for division use

Tan Sri Shahrir Samad, who is accused in an online report of having received RM1mil from the Prime Minister, says accepting funds for the administration of party divisions is normal.

On Friday, website The Sarawak Report alleged that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had distributed funds to a number of Umno leaders after the 13th general election.

Among the leaders mentioned in the report were Pontian MP Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyanti Samsudin and Shahrir, who purportedly received RM1mil.

“Who else should I ask for financial assistance for expenses in administering my division if not from the president of the party?” the Johor Baru MP was quoted as saying on the Barisan Nasional Backbencher’s Club (BNBBC) website on Sunday.

Shahrir, who is also BNBBC chairman, added that he was willing to cooperate with and explain to investigators on how the funds were used.

He said assistance from the party president to any division, especially divisions which lack funds, is commonplace.

He noted also that the act of defending the Government and leaders, in particular concerning 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), was in accordance with the role of the BNBBC.

“I do not want to judge anyone based on media reports, especially foreign media. I have to defend the existing processes and institutions,” Shahrir said.