Youth-led non-governmental organisation Mandiri has hit back at allegations linking it to a foreign-funded conspiracy to topple Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In a strongly worded statement, the group dismissed the claims as “purely political” and intended to silence voices speaking out against corruption.
The controversy erupted following a now-deleted TikTok video and a subsequent press conference held at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters (IPD), which accused Mandiri of acting as a proxy for Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli using illicit foreign funds.
Mandiri Executive Director Amir Hadi clarified that the organization is not a political party and has no involvement in power struggles or attempts to change the country’s leadership.
“These accusations are not new; they are frequently used against activists, NGOs, and independent media in Southeast Asia,” the statement read, citing organisations like SUARAM, Bersih, and Malaysiakini as previous targets of similar narratives.
The group denied any formal ties with Rafizi Ramli. They clarified that previous interactions were strictly limited to joint campaigns regarding corporate corruption and the shareholding issues of a former MACC Chief Commissioner.
Mandiri operates through publicly listed grants available to any NGO. To ensure independence, the group maintains a strict internal policy of refusing funds from any government—including the Malaysian government—or any individual politician.
The organisation emphasised that it has never solicited funds from the general public.
The organisation is now consulting with legal counsel to take action against the individuals who held the press conference at IPD Dang Wangi. The group aims to sue for defamation regarding claims of misappropriating foreign funds, financing “cyber-troopers,” and “selling national sovereignty.”
Mandiri also confirmed it will pursue legal action against the TikTok account owner who uploaded an AI-generated video linking the organization to the alleged plot.
Despite the police report and the allegations, Mandiri remains defiant. “This issue will not silence us. In fact, we will redouble our efforts, particularly in human rights and the fight against corruption, until we succeed in clearing the country of the corruptors ruining the nation,” Amir Hadi said.
