“If indeed the ARM Ltd deal is flawed, then PMX, Tengku Zafrul should also be hauled up, not Rafizi alone”

 

ALTHOUGH it was correct that the Economy Ministry was heavily involved in spearheading the RM1.1 bil deal with British chip designer Arm Holdings plc, the crux of the matter is that it was not the sole signatory given the initiative entails cross-ministerial effort.

This very reality has prompted human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim to come to former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s defence that “if there is evidence of wrongdoing, then investigate everyone transparently”.

“If there’s none, then selective action risks undermining public confidence in our institutions,” warned the Orang Asli advocate in reaction to a Facebook post by The Coverage Media entitled “RM1.1 Bil Deal Signed by Zafrul, Launched by Anwar – Only Rafizi Faces MACC”.

The deal raises serious questions not just about governance but about consistency and fairness in enforcement.

Let’s be clear about the facts: The deal was discussed multiple times at Cabinet level chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Siti Kasim

It was signed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) under the authority of former investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

It then went on to receive legal scrutiny from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) before being publicly launched and celebrated as a national investment success. Yet today, only Rafizi is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Accountability or selective justice

The very fact that the Pandan MP is now facing the music alone with today (May 5) being the second day of his quizzing by the graft buster agency will inevitably raise a fundamental question – how does accountability apply in Malaysia today, according to Siti Kasim.

“If there were flaws in the process, responsibility should be shared by all decision-makers involved – especially those who led, approved and endorsed the deal at the highest level,” insisted Siti Kasim who read law at Queen Mary University of London in the UK between 1992 and 1995 as a mature student.

“This is not about defending individuals. This is about defending principles encompassing (i) consistency in the rule of law; (ii) equal accountability for those in power; and (iii) integrity of enforcement bodies.”

At the end of the day, Malaysia certainly cannot afford a system where perception suggests that some are shielded while others are singled out.

“Justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done, fairly and without fear or favour,” rued Siti Kasim. “The rakyat are watching. And we deserve clarity, not contradiction.” –  Focus Malaysia