Former DAP lawmaker Ong Kian Ming has come out in support of Rafizi Ramli amid an MACC probe linked to a RM1.1 billion government deal with semiconductor firm Arm Holdings.
In a Facebook post, Ong (above) opined that the former economy minister became a target of investigation because of his criticisms against the government and the MACC.
"I do not think that Rafizi would have been called up by the MACC and 'grilled' if he had not resigned from the cabinet and started to highlight some of the gaps in the current government, especially with regard to issues to do with MACC itself, notably chief commissioner Azam Baki.
"The Arm (Holdings) deal may not have been the best negotiated deal in Malaysian history, but I do not think that either Rafizi or (former) his special officer, James Chai, received any monetary benefits as a result of the signing of the Arm deal with the government," he said.
Ong, who is also a former cabinet minister, said while he did not agree with Rafizi on many things related to policy matters, he supported the Pandan MP's consistent stand on public accountability and transparency when it comes to government affairs.
"Just like how we wanted justice to prevail for Anwar Ibrahim during reformasi, we should want to see justice prevail for Rafizi with respect to his calls for greater transparency and accountability on the part of the Madani government."
MACC is investigating Rafizi for alleged abuse of power in the government deal. The former minister and his former aide were among over 20 individuals the agency had reportedly summoned to aid in the probe so far.
The investigation followed complaints from several NGOs alleging that the agreement was hastily arranged and biased, and could have financial implications for the government.
Rafizi, however, characterised the probe as a form of intimidation linked with his demand for Azam’s suspension.
The call, similarly voiced by various other quarters, came after Azam was implicated in a shareholding scandal, as well as allegations that MACC officers had colluded with private individuals to strong-arm business rivals and stage corporate takeovers. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.