KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) has lambasted Tan Sri Idrus Harun, accusing the attorney-general of selective prosecution after failing to take action against Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.
The PH presidential council said in a statement that six months have passed since the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) first detained Tajuddin.
Given speculation that Tajuddin may become ambassador to Indonesia, PH added that his detention by MACC may further damage Malaysia’s reputation.
“How are we awarding the highest honour to an important neighbouring nation by appointing a diplomat who was detained by his own government over allegations of abusing power?”
On May 28, it was reported that Tajuddin was detained and questioned by MACC over allegations of power abuse, and released on conditional bail the same day.
PH also mentioned Idrus’ decision to withdraw an appeal against Putrajaya MP Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s acquittal from corruption charges, saying no explanation was given over the decision.
“Tengku Adnan was accused of corruption for receiving RM2 million from a businessman in 2016. The businessman has pleaded guilty and was fined for providing gratification to Tengku Adnan.
“PH’s presidential council expresses regret that no explanation was given over the decision to withdraw the appeal.”
On July 16, Tengku Adnan’s RM2 million graft conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in a 2-1 majority decision.
Two judges agreed that the RM2 million allegedly misappropriated funds were for political donations for two by-elections.
The appellate court ruled that the high court made an error in judgment, and that there is no evidence suggesting property tycoon Tan Sri Chai Kin Kong was dishonest when testifying, making the conviction unsafe. – The Vibes, November 26, 2021
