NO MALAY FIREBALL DESPITE JOHOR SULTAN’S WARNING ON ROME STATUTE – UNLIKE IN UMNO-PAS INSTIGATED ANTI-ICERD PROTESTS: THIS TIME, HADI RUSHES TO CONCUR WITH DR M – EVEN AS MACC PREPARES TO HAND OVER RM1.4 MILLION CHEQUE PROBE TO AG

SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will hand over the investigation papers on the alleged payment of RM1.4 million for an out-of-court settlement involving Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, to the deputy public prosecutor’s office next week.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said several investigation papers have been opened on the case and were in the final stages of the investigation.

“I have instructed the investigating officer to submit the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor by next week for further action,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after opening the Selangor MACC new office complex at Section 16 here today.

Azam, however, refused to comment on whether the MACC would call up any other individual from Pas regarding the alleged payment as the investigation was underway.

The media had earlier reported that the RM1.4 million was allegedly paid to Sarawak Report editor, Clare Rewcastle Brown to settle out-of-court the defamation suit involving Hadi.

Meanwhile, commenting on the development of the case where several individuals were alleged to be involved in accepting bribes and protecting massage parlours in Kuala Lumpur, Azam said four to six people are expected to be charged soon.

Azam said MACC welcomed any cooperation from government departments including local authorities to combat such graft activities. – BERNAMA

Hadi sees no issue with ratifying Rome Statute, invokes Dr M

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has said Putrajaya’s move to ratify the Rome Statute, which governs the International Criminal Court, is not a problem.

His stance was in contrast to the Islamist party’s fierce objection when Putrajaya attempted to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), which is another international treaty.

“Even if Malaysia accepts (that a case should be brought to the ICC), any decision must receive the consent of the government. If our country refused to bring a case to the ICC, then it cannot be brought there,” he was quoted as saying last  night by Berita Harian.

Hadi then quoted Mahathir’s explanation on the issue.

“That was why Mahathir made the statement that Malaysia has its own stance. We won’t follow it blindly.

“Actually, the government is not bound by the treaty because it is not strong and a very loose agreement,” he said.

He added that Malaysia cannot follow aspects of the treaty that do not suit Malaysian norms.

Hadi’s rare backing for the government came amid criticism from the Johor royal family over Malaysia’s ratification of the Rome Statute, claiming that it is unconstitutional.

BN lawmakers have also raised the issue in the Dewan Rakyat.

The four crimes that fall under the ICC’s jurisdiction are genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. – mkini

bernama / mkini