Mat Sabu: Fighting corruption priority, will look into Act 355 later

The new federal government in Putrajaya will look into the various corruption cases in all ministries before looking into amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 or Act 355, said Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.
"Our priority is to fight corruption, that is most important now. For example, when we formed the taskforce on 1MDB, what we discovered was shocking," said the newly minted defence minister.
"We have to prioritise fighting corruption first as it involves the wellbeing of the country. If we do not do this, the country can go bankrupt, and we will suffer."
Mohamad, who is popularly known as Mat Sabu, said the matter will be discussed within his party first, which would most probably be on Tuesday.
"We will discuss if there is such an agenda during the meeting," he told reporters before a private buka puasa event in Kampung Guar Petai, Tasek Gelugor, a 30-minute ride from the Penang island.
He was asked to respond to Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah who today urged former PAS leaders in Amanah to fulfil their promise of bringing the Act 355 amendments to Parliament after forming the government.
When it was tabled by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, the move caused a rift between PAS and its allies in DAP and PKR.
This led to the breakup of Pakatan Rakyat and the formation of Pakatan Harapan, a coalition of DAP, PKR, Amanah and Bersatu, which seized Putrajaya from BN in the May 9 polls.
In Kampung Guar Petai today, despite the rain, many braved the muddy ground to greet and congratulate Mohamad on his appointment as defence minister.

Dressed in a simple pink baju melayu, he was like a celebrity as some seized the opportunity to take selfies with their local kampung boy.
Mohamad said the venue is his private residence and the event was not sponsored by his ministry.
During a short speech, he said he was born in Kampung Guar Petai and would always hold the people here dear.
Mohamad also explained that his lifestyle has changed a little, as he has to be more cautious now in all his actions.
"I used to be able to drink coffee in coffee shops, now there are some restrictions as I am accompanied by security personnel.
"I used to be able to say anything, now I have to be careful as it involves the security of the country and relationship with others as well.
"But I will not be a different Mat Sabu," he added.
Mohamad then thanked all, whether or not they voted for Harapan.
"Thanks also goes to the opposition now that we are in government as in Malaysia, we changed the government without bloodshed. This should be treasured by Harapan and BN who contributed to the smooth change.

"I don't know whether we have achieved our aims. We will only know that after we have fulfilled all our promises to the people," he said. -Mkini