PAS: BN must be expelled first for MACC to expel graft

Since Dzulkfli Ahmad took over the leadership reins, MACC has been sinking its fangs into top civil servants and politicians.

Detractors, however, remain unconvinced, claiming that in order to gain public confidence, the commission must pounce on issues related to 1MDB.

As far as PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man is concerned, BN is the biggest obstacle to MACC's campaign against corruption.

“As long as BN is in power, everything will be difficult for MACC, to move freely... PAS will support MACC's efforts but BN as the biggest stumbling block must be cast out first,” he said.

Tuan Ibrahim was responding to MACC deputy director (operations) Hasbillah Mohd Salleh's call for a “revolution” to make corruption the country's public enemy number one.

Hasbillah reportedly said that most people were still confused over the definition of receiving a gift from individuals or certain quarters with a vested interest.

“The MACC wants to educate the public on the evils of corruption, based on the law. The act of asking for or accepting a bribe, even small, will tarnish one’s image,” he said.

Welcoming Hasbillah's statement, Tuan Ibrahim blamed the government's interference in MACC for the people's confusion.

According to him, the glaring example of this was what Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had said on Nov 17, 2015.

Amid the controversy surrounding the RM2.6 billion “donation” and RM42 million from SRC International, the PAS leader pointed out that Najib said GLCs and firms owned by the government through the Finance Ministry Incorporated could make contributions to politicians or political parties as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Tuan Ibrahim added that this could be done without legislation governing the contribution.

“The question is, where is the line between bribery and corruption?” he asked.

“Is it permissible to receive gifts from certain individuals and quarters with vested interests as long as it is called donation?” he added in a statement published in Harakah Daily.

Therefore, Tuan Ibrahim said PAS urges MACC to pressure the government to expedite the enactment of the Political Donations and Expenditure Act.

Last month, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said laws to govern political funding for parties would be ready by the 15th general election.

“This act is not in time for the 14th general election but will be in place for GE15. It is a big piece of legislation,” he added. -Mkini