As DAP is set to decide on July 12 whether its officeholders should relinquish their government positions, the party’s adviser Lim Guan Eng reportedly suggested that the decision might be brought forward.
This is if the cabinet meeting tomorrow rejects the party’s proposal to establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations that MACC is colluding with a “corporate mafia”.
“If the cabinet does not accept it, the special congress planned for July might be brought forward; there is no need to wait until July 12.
“This is because our secretary-general (Anthony Loke) and chairperson (Gobind Singh Deo) also agree on the need for an RCI,” Lim (above) reportedly told Kwong Wah Yit Poh in an interview published today.
Lim said the allegations of collusion are far more serious than the claims regarding MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s previous shareholdings, adding that the matter must be investigated thoroughly or the MACC would be seen as an oppressor.
“If (the government) continues to support Azam, the people will question the motive. What is the conspiracy? What exactly are they trying to cover up or hide? A clear explanation is needed,” the former minister was quoted as saying.
DAP insists on RCI
In an interview on Monday, Loke had told Malaysiakini that DAP will propose establishing an RCI on the alleged “corporate mafia” allegations during tomorrow’s cabinet meeting.
Gobind had similarly backed calls for an RCI, stating that MACC cannot clear itself of alleged wrongdoing.
The calls came as DAP plans to hold a special congress on July 12, where delegates will decide whether the party should withdraw from executive roles in the government.
The party's annual national congress was originally scheduled for September but has been moved to July following the party’s crushing defeat at last year’s Sabah election.
Loke had initially spoken of a six-month timeline to accelerate reforms and regain public confidence, after what he saw as a “strong and unmistakable message from the voters” at the election.
Allegations against Azam
The controversy surrounding the MACC erupted following reports by Bloomberg and Malaysiakini detailing more of Azam’s shareholdings, which appear to exceed limits imposed on civil servants.
Subsequently, on Feb 12, Bloomberg published a report claiming Azam was aware of a “corporate mafia” network allegedly colluding with a MACC investigative unit known as “Section D”.
Azam has denied wrongdoing and said his transactions were properly declared to the Public Service Department, while MACC said it would not entertain "malicious" foreign media.
Azam's lawyers are seeking RM100 million in damages from Bloomberg for the alleged harm to the MACC chief's reputation and professional standing.
On Feb 13, the government announced the formation of a special task force to investigate the allegations concerning Azam.
However, Loke said the government’s response is inadequate and does not meet public expectations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s aide Kamil Abdul Munim said that while he respects calls for an RCI, such calls should not be based “solely on hearsay, assumptions, or innuendo.”
“They must rest on strong and convincing evidence,” he said. - Mkini
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