'I rejected multi-million ringgit offer to switch parties - why go for thousands now?'

Perak state executive councillor Abdul Yunus Jamhari says he rejected a multi-million ringgit offer to change parties in 2009, the year in which the then-Pakatan Rakyat Perak government was toppled through defections.

It did not make sense for him to try to solicit bribes of thousands of ringgit now, Yunus (photo, above), the state Public Amenities, Infra­structure, Agriculture and Plantation Committee chairperson told The Star.

"I vehemently deny these accusations, said Yunus, who was also accused of trying to get kickbacks from two companies that were trying to apply for land in Kerian.

“My service centre officers and I meet regularly. There would be a lot of documents, including official letters, to be discussed to solve various problems faced by the people.

“I would share the information with my officers within my capacity as the state representative for official matters. Is that an issue?

“The complainant himself was my former special officer,” he said, referring to Parit Buntar PKR committee member Beh Yong Kean

Yunus said he would report those involved in the allegations against him to PKR’s disciplinary committee.

He said he would also lodge a report with the Education Ministry against a school teacher, who was his former special officer, who was also involved in an attempt to slander him.

'Beh owned an illegal factory'

Last Saturday, Beh lodged a police report against Yunus, alleging that Yunus had instructed him to solicit commission from two companies.

Beh also alleged that Yunus leaked documents protected under the Official Secrets Act 1972 to him for this purpose.

However, Yunus denied the allegation and made a counter-claim that Beh owned an illegal factory that was facing enforcement action.

Yunus also claimed that the allegation against him was also due to his association with PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, who is facing his own allegation over a sex video, in which the latter has denied involvement.

“I’m convinced that this despicable allegation was made to assassinate my political career and it began with the PKR party elections last year, due to my strong stance in supporting Azmin.

“This evil conspiracy is now being continued to topple me as Perak exco member and sabotage the Perak menteri besar’s leadership,” Yunus, who is also the Kuala Kurau assemblyperson, said.

Perak PKR chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak then ticked off Yunus for crying conspiracy, saying there was no need to give excuses, and if he is innocent, the police investigation will show as such.

“I think that is a foolish statement from Yunus. It is strange that he responds to the accusation by claiming conspiracy,” Farhash Wafa told Malaysiakini. - Mkini