Investigate 'rapist' minister, say Pakatan MPs

By Patrick Lee

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan MPs have demanded an investigation over claims that a minister had raped his Indonesian maid.

The rape case was supposedly covered up by former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2007.

It was allegedly unveiled through online whistleblower WikiLeaks, according to well-known blogger Ahiruddin Attan, or Rocky (from Rocky's Bru).

"Given that a minister is involved, the government has to come clean on this matter. They have to clarify the matter," said DAP-Klang MP Charles Santiago.

He also said that although the incident may have happened during Abdullah's reign, current Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak needed to take responsibility.

"The onus is on the Najib administration. Does Najib know the story behind this? These are the questions that one needs to ask," he said.

PAS-Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad told FMT that he was surprised that such a matter would have occurred during Abdullah's reign.

"If this is true, then it is very tragic. (Former PM) Abdullah is looked upon as a morally upright person," he said.

Khalid added that he could not imagine that a man of Abdullah's stature could allow such a cover-up to proceed.

He also questioned why the alleged rapist had been allowed to remain in office.

"I don't think Malaysia is short of good and capable leaders (so that they can) cover up this case, so he (the rapist) can remain a minister," he said.

"This is a serious allegation. The government shouldn't just ignore it, but should look into it."

'Be careful with WikiLeaks'

Nevertheless, the MPs were very wary about the so-called revelation.

PKR-Balik Pulau MP Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff said thorough investigations needed to take place before charges could be made.

"Until investigations are done, anyone can say anything about the minister," he said.

Yusmadi added that an investigation would give an alleged rape victim the chance to come forward with evidence.

Santiago said that the alleged report also needed to be scrutinised. "A leak is a leak. You don't know whether it's true or not," he added.

"You have to be quite careful with WikiLeaks. It (WikiLeaks report) is quite damning," he said, adding that the report may just be a discussions between the US Embassy in Malaysia and the US government.

Meanwhile, former Transparency International Malaysia president Ramon Navaratnam agreed with Santiago.

"The authenticity of this report is questionable unless we have documents to look at and establish that it is not fake," he said.

"If established to be true, and if the evidence is absolutely correct, then it is unfortunate and those responsible have to be held accountable," Navaratnam added.

"It is necessary for the integrity, transparency and good governance of the government."