KUALA LUMPUR – In an apparent swipe at Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datuk-BN), opposition MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN) said appointing a person with ongoing trials to one of the highest positions in the government will not improve Malaysia’s ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
In his debate on Budget 2023, Fadhli agreed with Gobind Singh Deo’s (Damansara-PH) stance to improve Malaysia’s ranking on the CPI.
He added that having Zahid as deputy prime minister will not help improve Malaysia’s CPI score due to his corruption charges.
“One of the things that will not help (in raising the CPI score) is the appointment of the DPM who is involved in cases of misuse of power. It has a big impact on the issue of transparency.
“With 148 MPs in the government, hypothetically, removing 30 of them will not lead to a loss of majority,” he said referring to Barisan Nasional’s 30 MPs.
“So, why would you (the government) appoint someone with cases as the deputy prime minister unless there is a clandestine agreement?”
Should someone raise the time when PAS was affiliated with Barisan Nasional (BN), Fadhli said support can be given, but the coalition did not appoint people with court troubles to cabinet.
Fadhli also questioned why the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal was not mentioned in Anwar’s Budget 2023 speech, as he said several government MPs continuously raised the issue when they were formerly part of the opposition.
“I’m unsure what rug this issue was swept under. Why do we hide 1MDB (from being brought to light)? Is it to take care of the members’ feelings?” he alleged.
Nonetheless, Fadhli pointed out that it was good that Anwar started his budget speech by depicting the state of the nation’s economy, as it could encourage the rakyat to be more aware of the current situation.
Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (Kinabatangan-BN) retaliated against Fadhli’s question during his own debate, reminding the PN lawmaker that his coalition also has members who are facing trials.
“Do you not see that there are court cases in your own house?” Bung asked.
“In life, it is ‘innocent until proven guilty’.” – The Vibes, February 27, 2023
