[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 09 Aug 1999
Time: 22:53:57
Remote User: -
Is ACA director-general Ahmad Zaki prepared to confirm that ACA had recommended in 1995 that Rafidah Aziz should be charged on five charges of corruption Media Statement by Lim Kit Siang
(Petaling Jaya, Monday): The Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) Datuk Ahmad Zaki Husin yesterday urged leaders of political parties to stop labelling the ACA as a government tool, as such claims would result in the public losing confidence in the ACA and kindle suspicions among foreigners that corruption was rife in this country.
Ahmad Zaki should realise that the ACA must earn public confidence that it is not a government tool by producing results and not by making empty claims, especially as the ACA has up to date failed the public confidence test that it has the powers and authority to fight corruption in high political places.
For a start, is the ACA director-general prepared to confirm or deny that the ACA had recommended in 1995 after investigations that the Minister for International Trade and Industry, Datuk Paduka Rafidah Aziz should be prosecuted on five charges of corruption under the Section 2(2), Emergency Ordinance 22, 1970, in connection with her Ministry’s allotment of shares to her son-in-law.
Furthermore, can he also confirm or deny that the ACA’s recommendation for the arrest and prosecution of Rafidah was supported by the Prosecution Division of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, but the finding of the ACA and the Attorney-General’s Chambers that there was prima facie case to prosecute Rafidah Aziz for corruption was subsequently sidelined.
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had lodged a police report on July 9, 1999 alleging interference of justice by the Prime Minister, the Attorney General Mohtar Abdullah and Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Gani Patail in shielding Rafidah Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry from being prosecuted in court on five corruption charges.
If Ahmad Zaki is not prepared or unable to confirm, deny or even comment on the ACA’s high-profile investigation into a Cabinet Minister for corruption, how could ACA shake off public suspicion that it is a mere government tool to be used as a sword against the political opponents of the powers-that-be, but as a shield for the cronies of the high and mighty?
Furthermore, Ahmad Zaki should explain what is the outcome of ACA investigations into the case of the corporate "wonder boy", Ling Hee Leong, as to how the then 27-year-old son of the MCA President and Transport Minister, Datuk Ling Liong Sik could acquire RM1.2 billion worth of corporate assets in a matter of three months in 1996 - especially as it is now more than two years since a report on the matter had been lodged with the Anti-Corruption Agency.
(9/8/99)
*Lim Kit Siang - Malaysian Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Democratic Action Party Secretary-General & Member of Parliament for Tanjong