Khairuddin lodges report against Puad over forex remark

Former Umno division leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan has lodged a report against Special Affairs Department (Jasa) director-general Mohd Puad Zarkashi for his statement on the 1990s foreign exchange losses being probed by the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Khairuddin, who is also Citizens' Declaration coordinator, stated in his report filed at the Dang Wangi police station during the weekend that Puad may have violated Section 12(2) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950.

“I lodged the report in order to preserve the sanctity of the ongoing inquiry,” he said in his report, adding that what Puad stated appeared to be a threat or insult to several individuals.

The police, he added, also recorded his statement, at Dang Wangi police station as well.

Khairuddin named those individuals who are affected by Puad's statement as former Bank Negara adviser Nor Mohamed Yakcop, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the statement made by Puad was done in bad faith and appeared to be a challenge against the RCI. It was for these reasons that he lodged the police report.

“The RCI should also take stern action on Puad,” he added.

'Puad trying to manipulate facts'

He further described Puad as trying to manipulate the facts of the ongoing inquiry, based on what Nor had testified.

“Jasa should not cheat and treat Malaysians as if they are stupid. The police should do their investigation on Puad professionally, independently and transparently,” Khairuddin added.

He was reacting to Puad's statement that Nor's testimony was as if he was protecting Mahathir on the forex scandal and for also questioning whether Nor was taking up the role of a scapegoat.

"He admitted responsibility for the huge losses, but denied that he was solely responsible for decisions on forex trading by Bank Negara.

"Does it mean other people are involved? Who are they? What is certain was Nor Mohamed avoided implicating the then prime minister (Mahathir) and finance minister (Anwar)," Puad had said.

Former Federal Court judge Gopal Sri Ram said what Puad stated could amount to an offence under Section 12 (2) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950, but said whether Puad would be prosecuted was another question.

Section 12 (2) states "Any person who threatens, insults or injures any person for having given evidence, or on account of the evidence which he has given before the commissioners, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years."

Lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla said he would bring up the issue with the RCI when it resumes its sitting.

However, Jasa has come to Puad's defence, saying how his question could amount to threatening or insulting a witness. Mkini