PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli said he has heard both sides with regard to the case involving Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu's aide.
He was responding to Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong, who said Rafizi should have sought clarification before launching an attack.
"I agree with Liew if he says we should communicate to get more information. But I disagree if it is done with the purpose of muzzling the issue.
"As I said, I don't believe my statements were unfair against the accused because I have heard both sides.
"Unless I am expected to accept at face value the claim that he managed to raise RM800,000 within two days through crowdfunding," he told Malaysiakini.
Rafizi stressed that he applied the same "thinking cap" which he does when it comes to issues concerning BN politicians.
"Imagine if this case involved an aide to a BN minister and we are told he had raised the sum within two days soon after the minister was sworn in.
"I do not want to fall into the BN trap... keeping quiet when I know of things and later when it blows up, say that I should have spoken up earlier," he added.
He also pointed out that the aide has been with the minister for several years.
Rafizi reiterated that the case highlighted the dangers confronting the new Pakatan Harapan government because it inherited a corrupt system.
"This is the reason I am pushing for asset declarations to be made public. This should not be confined to just ministers, elected representatives, but their aides and officers as well," he added.
On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported that MACC was investigating Mohamad's aide over an RM800,000 assistance he had allegedly received to settle his bankruptcy status.
Sources said the aide was declared bankrupt four years ago, but his debts were settled in May this year.
"He is being investigated by MACC after having his debts, amounting to over RM800,000, paid by several parties.
"It was alleged that the payments were made on his behalf only a few days after Mohamad was sworn in as the defence minister," said one of the sources.
Sources also revealed that MACC had recorded statements from various quarters, including defence contractors.
Yesterday, Rafizi said he received documents related to the case which showed four "suspicious" payments to the aide amounting to RM318,525, RM100,000, RM300,000, and RM100,800 each in two days - May 30 and 31, 2018. -Mkini
Rafizi is right to call for declaration of personal asset. But before and after the asset has been declared MACC and LHDN please investigate those live beyond their means. So MACC and LHDN start doing your job. If your department is short of staff and fund then ask from your Minister or else you are not doing what you are task for. Their wealth can make your eyes sore or maybe lead to blindness. So before that happen to your eyes get to action. Unless MACC and LHDN have a suggestion that only their department and minister concern paid personal tax and rakyat to be exempted from paying tax so that only their money get rob by these wealthy Yang Berhormat.
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