The NGO feels at the same time there is sufficient information for the MACC to probe whether there is an element of wrong-doing on the part of its board of trustees and a company linked to it.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindraf Makkal Sakthi has urged the Tourism and Culture Minister to pledge an immediate RM5 million in trust to save the Swami Vivekananda Ashram as a national heritage project while public donations can be another source of contributions for the stricken organisation.

The NGO, at the same time, feels that theres sufficient information for the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe whether theres an element of wrong-doing on the part of its board of trustees and a company linked to it.

Its evident from the February 2014 annual returns that the proposed plans by the board to develop the Ashram into a 23-storey condominium with 264 units and an eight-storey car park may not be above board, said Hindraf Chief P. Waythamoorthy in a statement attaching the annual returns and certain corporate information.

The annual returns must be read together with the corporate information of F3 Capital Sdn Bhd which is linked to the proposed development.

Delving into the details, Waytha pointed out that a certain individual, Vignesh Naidu, is not only on the board of trustees of the Ashram as Honorary Treasurer but appears as a shareholder in F3 Capital Sdn Bhd.

This appears to indicate, said Waytha who is also a lawyer in private practice, that there may be conflict of interest involved, bordering on elements of corruption and/or criminal breach of trust in the proposed development.

The Swami Vivekananda Ashram is an organization limited by guarantee, pointed out the Hindraf Chief, and its primary objective was to conduct its affairs for the benefit of the public.

The MACC must help safeguard the Ashram as a national heritage reflecting the contributions of our forefathers to the country, said Waytha. The public is outraged at what is going on at the Ashram.

Waytha urged the MACC to read the boards rejection of a proposal by the Tourism and Culture Minister to gazette the Ashram as a heritage site together with the entire tender process for the proposed development.

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Hindraf wants Ashram probed, funds pledged