A SCANDAL-hit charity, the All Wales ethnic minority association (Awema) has received heavy critisism from Monmouth's MP, David Davies.

Awema has received millions of public money in grants, but had its public funding stopped after reports said it could not guarentee public money had been spent correctly.

The organisation's chief executive, Maz Malik, admitted to using the charity's funds to pay off a personal credit card debt of £9,340.36.

Awema has been on Mr Davies' radar since 2003, where a decade-long dispute with Mr Malik began; Mr Davies pointed out that the charity's spending nearly £2 million did not add-up, and thought it outrageous it would not disclose details of staff salaries.

"Awema has been mis-using public funds for the best part of a decade," said Mr Davies.

"The problem has been everyone was afraid to critisise them, because they might be accused of being racist."

The report into the charity also revealed that Mr Malik had used the charity to pay for his gym membership and a £110 parking fine. He also bought rugby and cricket tickets for his staff.

Since the reports on the spending came out, Mr Malik and Awema's finance director, Saquib Zia have been dismissed.

But David Davies doesn't think that this is enough. "There should be a full police investigation into Awema, and the assembly needs to investigate other public bodies, especially those similar to Awema, ones which people are afraid to criticise."

Awema also recieved criticism from Mr Davies after it became apparent that it had participated in the Welsh Assembly's referendum last year.

Leaflets were printed in several languages for the 'Yes for Wales' campaign, but Mr Davies pointed out that no support was extended to the no campaign by the organisation.

A donation of £500 was also given by the charity to the yes campaign. This is the reason Mr Davies is writing to the Electoral Commission and to the Ombudsman.

"The Yes for Wales should have been a campaign that was not supported by public money," said Mr Davies.

"After this, I doubt Awema will continue, the Welsh Assembly Government will try to push the organisation under the carpet, and set up another organisation that does the same job."

Since concerns were originally raised about financial practices and the management of projects, by the Monmouth MP, the organisation went on to secure funding commitments for projects worth more than £8 million.

Awema has declined to comment, but a message from chairman Rita Austin on its website thanked staff for the dedicated service they had provided, and proper duty of care towards staff members will be provided as Awema moves towards closure.

The website adds: "The defects and deficiencies brought to light at Awema should not be seen as defining features of the charitable sector as a whole, or as characteristic of the devoted work of minority ethnic voluntary and community groups in Wales."