KOTA KINABALU, June 20 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must probe claims that over a quarter of the RM12 million raised to ransom four Malaysians went missing, said the DAP chapter in Sabah.

Responding to a report in The Manila Times that Abu Sayyaf militants were alleging that they only received RM8.8 million of the sum, DAP Sabah publicity secretary Phoong Jin Zhe said the claim merited a probe by authorities here.

“Is the allegation true? The DAP seeks a thorough investigation as to where the rest of RM3.2 million went to. Every single Malaysian, especially the families of the hostages would like to know the answer. This involves the credibility and international image of the Malaysian authorities.

“Considering the fact that a large portion of money were contributed by generous and kind-hearted Malaysians who showed sympathy to the families of hostages, all government units including the police force who were involved must be investigated by the MACC,” said Phoong.

The Manila Times quoted two “highly placed sources” in the Philippines government as saying that the southern Philippine militants were angry that they had only received PHP100 million (RM8.8 million) instead of about PHP130 million (RM12 million) which was reportedly raised by the hostages’ families to secure their release.

The report said that missing amount raised suspicions the rebels may be conspiring with government officials from Malaysia and the Philippines who may have shared the money among themselves.

The claim also deepened the mystery surrounding the RM12 million following contradictory claims by the deputy prime minister and the police over how the money was handled and disbursed.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the money was accepted by Malaysian police before being funnelled to unidentified groups in the Philippines; Khalid denied his agency ever accepted the funds.

Malaysian authorities are adamant that the RM12 million was not used to ransom the four Malaysians taken by Abu Sayyaf on April 1 and released on June 8, but speculation to the contrary persists, particularly after the revelation that the money was sent to Filipino outfits.

The money was raised from public donations as well as from mortgages taken out by family members of the now-released abductees.