“The government does not recognise demands for ransom,” Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told reporters here today.

Zahid said the “donations” raised came up to RM11 million, with another RM1 million being the product of sales from the families’ land and assets.

“The total of RM12 million was given to the police, but not to be paid as ransom,” Zahid said.

“The government has decided that no ransom will be paid, and the police follows the government’s orders.

“I confirm the money would not be paid as ransom but instead, be channeled to certain organisations in the Philippines,” Zahid said, adding the organisations that received the “charity” were not terrorist or criminal groups.

“We cannot reveal the agencies because that constitutes police affairs.”

Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said he would ask the police to release details surrounding the case to the public, in due time.

The four who were abducted – Wong Teck Kang, 31; Wong Teck Chii, 29; Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21; and Wong Hung Sing, 34, were kidnapped on April 1 and released last Tuesday night after multiple negotiations between the militants and Malaysian and Filipino authorities.

The uncle of one of the hostages however confirmed to the press that they had paid out RM12 million to Special Branch officers in Sandakan to be used as ransom for the release of the four kidnap victims.