KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) has declared that he will not hold his tongue if accusations against key political individuals are found to be untrue.
Speaking during the Finance Ministry’s winding-up speech on Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar stressed that he will not remain silent if allegations of power abuse are unfairly levelled against any individual.
“Slander and criticism can be (thrown at) anyone, but I am here to say that I do not hold my (prime ministerial) title to prosecute, pressure, and oppress anyone, (because) I know what selective prosecution is like,” Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said.
Earlier in his speech, Anwar spoke about the Jana Wibawa initiative, which was introduced during Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as prime minister.
Earlier today, Muhyiddin was called in for questioning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over corruption and money laundering allegations related to the project, which was aimed at helping Bumiputera contractors.
He was arrested after he arrived at the MACC headquarters for questioning.
Seemingly commenting on the charges expected to be laid against Muhyiddin, Anwar assured MPs in the lower House that he will not hesitate to speak out if the charges are found to be “slanderous”.
“Look at the charges first and see what evidence (MACC) has, see whether corruption really happened.
“You don’t have to wait for PAS, I will be the one to stand and object if there are any elements of slander against anyone,” he said.
He added that he is leaving it to the anti-graft body to investigate whether former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will have to be called in for questioning, as the Bera MP is said to be involved in the second phase of Jana Wibawa.
“It is up to (MACC) whether or not they want to check (Ismail Sabri’s alleged role). I never said that only (Muhyiddin) should be investigated. If they (MACC) have evidence (against Ismail Sabri), then they should look into it,” he said.
Anwar also stressed that he had ordered the Jana Wibawa initiative to be renegotiated under an open tender because of how the project had failed to benefit Bumiputera companies due to alleged power abuse.
“I did not cancel (Jana Wibawa) but I said that it must be re-tendered. A Bumiputera project was given to a Chinese company… What kind of financial regulation is this?” an evidently vexed Anwar said.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, is facing charges under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which is related to the alleged use of one’s office or position for gratification, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Amla) Act 2001 (Act 613).
The charges under Amla will pertain to Section 4(1)(b), which addresses the abetting of money laundering, an offence liable to a fine not exceeding RM5 million, imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.
The Bersatu president is the latest and most high profile of party leaders to be hauled up in relation to the Jana Wibawa initiative.
On February 20, Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan was charged with soliciting and receiving bribes worth RM6.9 million to help a private firm secure a central spine road government contract worth RM232 million in 2022.
Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad, meanwhile, has five charges for soliciting and accepting bribes in relation to Jana Wibawa projects. – The Vibes, March 9, 2023
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