Minister: Suaram to be charged this week

Leading human rights NGO Suaram will be charged in court this week after the Attorney-General's (AG) Chambers gives the green light, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail was quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying that the charge is based on the outcome of Companies Commission Malaysia’s (CCM) investigation, which has been submitted to the AG's Chambers for further action.

However, he did not disclose what are the offences committed by the NGO.

Ismail explained that the delay in taking action against Suaram is because the case has to be handed over to the AG's Chambers beforehand.

“This case involves public interest because Suaram is a not a registered body but active like a valid body.

“Because this case is classified as a high-profile case, it needs the attention of the AG's Chambers,” he told reporters after officiating an event at Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Asked about the possibility that other companies may be charged for the same offence, Ismail replied that action will only be taken if there is a report lodged or suspicion raised against a company or an organisation.

He elaborated that more than one million private limited companies registered with CCM file annual reports to the commission for its inspection.

“This makes it hard for CCM to check every offence, hence only random investigations will be done,” he added.