Probe Taib, or ‘we take to the streets’

As the clock ticks down for the state polls, a Sarawak citizens initiave issues a stern warning to the MACC, urging it to probe the chief minister.

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PUTRAJAYA: A Sarawak citizens initiative has warned that it will take to the streets if the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not probe state chief minister Taib Mahmud.

The ultimatum from the Movement for Change Sarawak (MoCS) leader Francis Siah comes amid preparation for the Sarawak state election on April 16.

Siah, who submitted a letter of demand to the MACC at its headquarters in Putrajaya today, asked why there has been no action against Taib despite the overwhelming evidence, including documentary proof, provied by whistleblowers.

The allegations are too many, he said, adding that they include Taib’s enormous wealth, his various properties overseas and his alleged shady land deals and monopolising of logging concessions in Sarawak.

“There is no reason why no action should be taken. We mean business, and if MACC does not comply, we are willing to take it to the people. Yes, even taking to the streets in protest,” he said.

“We will also be calling up MACC monthly to check on the update of investigations as they will usually keep quiet about these things, or ask us to lodge a report,” added the MoCS leader, whose group is asking Taib to resign by Aug 13 this year.

The letter of demand was handed to ASP Mohammad Nur Zamzam Maidin. It also included a two-inch thick binded compilation of various allegations against Taib.

“I told the officer that we are holding your chief commissioner by his word as he said previously that he will step down if there are any reports not investigated,” said Siah.

On July 31 last year, MACC Chief Commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed was quoted as saying:” If there is a case or report made against any minister and we do not investigate, I am willing to step down.”

PM urged to act

Siah said that he will also be lodging a similar report with the Bukit Aman commercial crime department.

He added that the demand is endorsed by Pakatan Rakyat parties in Sarawak, including DAP, PKR, SNAP and PAS.

Subang Jaya state rep Hannah Yeoh, who was there to lend support to MoCS, said that the government must not practice selective investigations.

“I call upon Prime Minister (Najib Tun Razak), if he is serious about transformation, to investigate Taib. We’re not talking about a small officer, this is a chief minister,” said the DAP politician.

Yeoh said when it comes to the Pakatan-controlled Selangor government, small claims are investigated in a big way, but MACC seems to have failed when it comes to investigating Barisan Nasional leaders.

“Remember the Teoh Beng Hock case, where people were interrogated overnight,” she said. - FMT