KUALA LUMPUR – The refusal by the powers that be to address issues pertaining to the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) has caused an MP to question if the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has jurisdiction over parliamentary proceedings.
V. Sivakumar (Batu Gajah-PH) in the Dewan Rakyat today said he is disappointed with the silence from National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique over issues regarding Mitra.
In previous Dewan Rakyat sessions, Halimah had evaded questions about Mitra on the basis that MACC investigations are still ongoing.
“According to her, answering my questions in Parliament will disrupt MACC’s investigations.
“Whatever is said here will also be said to MACC. If the same information is given in both situations, I don’t think investigations will be affected.
“Which section of the law prevents a ministry from answering questions in Parliament?” Sivakumar asked, adding that the sovereignty of Parliament has been disrupted because of such “troublesome” evasions.
He alluded to an MIC leader allegedly “challenging” MPs to pose their questions outside of a Parliament setting.
“We are MPs, it is our right to ask questions during sessions. Why should we have to raise a matter outside when this is our place to address issues? If we don’t voice our concerns here in Parliament, where else can we turn to?” he queried.
Sivakumar urged the government to reveal the number of individuals investigated by MACC over their involvement in the misuse of Mitra funds, and what sort of action will be taken by the authority.
Meanwhile, taking a jab at Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the Batu Gajah MP criticised the government for having “wrong priorities” when allocating funds.
He said under Budget 2022, Mitra is set to receive a RM100 million allocation, which is also the amount said to be requested by Najib for his housing and land entitlement.
“Important agencies only receive RM100, but a Pekan individual can get RM100 million for the purchase of properties. Isn’t this a wrong priority?”
He said while there are many programmes under the Economic Planning Unit that aim to empower the Bumiputera agenda, there is not a single one under the Prime Minister’s Office for the Indian community.
“At the very least, RM50 million should be given to empower the Indian community,” he suggested.
Outcome of MACC probe
Additionally, Kasthuri Patto (Batu Kawan-PH) questioned the outcome of MACC’s investigations into the alleged misappropriation of Mitra funds.
While debating Budget 2022 at the committee stage, Kasthuri said MACC has announced that the investigations will soon be completed.
However, she questioned the reason for MACC forming a task force with the National Unity Ministry to determine the legitimacy of documents pertinent to the investigation.
“How can MACC form a task force with a ministry it is investigating?
“I urge MACC to act fairly and independently.
“Does MACC not have its own expertise to investigate this matter on its own?” Kasthuri said.
Moreover, R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) took the government to task to explain the increase in expenditure for MACC.
He queried whether the extra funds are for the increasing number of MACC staff or technological capabilities.
“I’m requesting these details because, on the matter of Mitra, there are people challenging me to reveal their names outside the Dewan Rakyat.
“I am only asking these questions for clarity. If they are not involved, why is the minister remaining quiet?”
Three weeks have passed since the explosive revelations on Mitra, but there has yet to be a conclusion on the matter, the DAP lawmaker said as he questioned whether MACC is hiding the truth. – The Vibes, November 22, 2021
Additional reporting by Arjun Mohanakrishnan
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