But Najib says, charge against Khir Toyo not a gimmick

Najib: It is not a gimmick because AG, MACC are independent

PUTRAJAYA - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak denied claims from the opposition that the decision to charge former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo for corruption was not a gimmick by Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno, to clean up their image, before the general election.

The Prime Minister said BN and Umno had never regarded the case as a sideshow because the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) had scrutinized the case before charging the former Selangor Menteri Besar.

"This is one matter that the MACC and the MACC as a independent body, has submitted their findings to the Attorney General's office.

"The AG's office which is also independent will decide on the next course of action as to whether there was a case or not," he told reporters at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre after witnessing an oath signing ceremony by the business community to combat corruption.

Najib was commenting on a statement by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the decision to charge Khir Toyo was just a sideshow by Umno to portray a clean image before the general election.

Khir Toyo, 45, was charged with one count of graft at the Shah Alam Sessions Court in relation to two plots of land in Section 7, Shah Alam that was bought for half the price of the market value for himself and his wife Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, 45.

He is alleged to have bought the two lots at No 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Shah Alam, from Ditamas Sdn Bhd through its managing director Shamsuddin Hayroni at RM3.5 million when the market value was RM6.5 million.

The offence allegedly took place at the Menteri Besar's official residence at Jalan Permata 7/1, Section 7, Shah Alam on May 29, 2007.

The Sungai Panjang state assemblyman who was also the Selangor state opposition leader, was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of two years and a fine, or both, if convicted.

Shamsuddin is also charged under the same Act plus an additional charge under Section 109 of the Penal Code for abetting Khir Toyo.

Najib said the AG's office had followed the proper procedures when charging Khir Toyo and that it was up to the court to make a decision.

"We cannot pass judgment on anyone whether they are guilty or not because it is the court that will decide," he said.

The Prime Minister said the opposition's accusation that the action was just a sideshow by BN and Umno was because they have turned it into a political issue.

"So, by turning it into a political issue, they will claim that the government is not serious or trying to cover up or carry out selective prosecution, etc," he said.

On who would be Khir Toyo's likely replacement as the state opposition leader in Selangor, Najib said the issue has yet to be decided since he had not seen the resignation letter from the former Menteri Besar.- Bernama