JMM says Nazri may be a political liability

In an unusual move by a normally pro-establishment group, Jaringan Melayu Malaysia has said that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz may become a political liability following PKR's expose about his family links to timber tycoon Michael Chia.

"Nazri may become a political liability to BN if claims that (PKR supremo) Anwar Ibrahim has many dark secrets about his (Nazri's) family are true," said JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah which was reproduced in full in Utusan Malaysia today.

He was referring to PKR strategies director Rafizi Ramli's allegationthat Chia had loaned Nazri's son Nedim a luxury sports utility vehicle.

Rafizi, who had produced photographs of the RM459,000 Hummer at Nedim's apartment, had claimed this was aconflict of interest as it was Nazri who told Parliament that Chia was cleared of corruption in the RM40 million Umno fund controversy.

"Rafizi's recent actions could be only the first show," warned Azwanddin (left), adding that PKR was fond of "political blackmail".

He added that PKR's move to get at the government may be an attempt to throw a lifeline to human rights group Suaram which had been hounded by regulators.

He also noted Nazri's statement on Suaram that there was no wrong in receiving foreign funds, stating that the minister's move appeared to also throw a lifeline for Suaram.

"This may have be a coincidence or maybe not," he said, but did not elaborate.

Azwanddin said that Nazri had to accept reality and his present political dilemma.

"Even though many among us respect Nazri but we emphasise more on security and sovereignty of Parliament and the country.

"The minister who oversees corruption cases must have a clean image and is respected," he said.