‘Full investigation’ by Welsh Government into All Wales Ethnic Minority Association'

From the Western Mail today

First Minister Carwyn Jones told AMs yesterday a full investigation was under way by the Welsh Government into Wales’ foremost charity representing ethnic minorities.

Last week the Western Mail revealed that Naz Malik, the chief executive of the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema), had been disciplined after admitting using more than £9,000 of the charity’s money to pay off a credit card debt. He said he regarded the money as an advance on his expenses.

An inquiry by an independent investigator suggested Awema was an organisation mired in nepotism, with Mr Malik’s daughter and daughter-in-law also working for it in senior roles, and his wife and son as volunteers.

The Swansea-based body has been awarded £8.4m of public money under the European aid programme for Wales to run projects aimed at improving the employment prospects of people from ethnic minority communities.

Yesterday Plaid Cymru AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas said to Mr Jones during First Minister’s Questions: “I trust you’ve had an opportunity to read the report which has resulted from the inquiry into the management of that organisation. Normally I wouldn’t ask you to comment on such organisations or the individuals involved in them, but in this case, this particular association does manage £8.4m of Euro
projects.

“Can you tell us this afternoon First Minister, do you still have confidence in the ability of the association to manage these projects and specifically its chief executive, Naz Malik?”

Mr Jones said: “The allegations are serious, a full investigation is taking place and we will comment once that investigation has concluded.”


There is still nothing from BBC Wales or ITV Wales on this matter.

UPDATE

Here’s the brief exchanges on Nas Malik in the Senedd from the Record of Proceedings at yesterdays at FMQ’s, the First Minister could hardly disagree or object to an investigation without looking shifty, but his answer to the question is weak and the need to contain and bury the story seems to be uppermost in Labour minds as opposed to doing what right and getting answers to this whole sorry mess.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas: You will be aware that concerns have been raised and, indeed, serious allegations made about the management of the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association. I trust that you have had an opportunity to read the report, which has resulted from the inquiry into the management of that organisation. Normally, I would not ask you to comment on such organisations, or individuals involved in them, but, in this case, this particular association manages £8.4 million in European projects. Can you tell us this afternoon, First Minister, whether you still have confidence in the ability of the association to manage those projects, and specifically, in its chief executive, Naz Malik?

The First Minister: The allegations are serious. A full investigation is taking place and we will comment once that investigation is concluded.

The full record of yesterday FMQ's is hereAny source