A DAP lawmaker has said that de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan should have explained the situation surrounding film producer Riza Aziz’s criminal charges to the people instead of calling former prime minister Dr Mahatir Mohamad a “hypocrite” for questioning the deal.
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said at the time Mahathir commented on the conditional dismissal granted to Riza (above), there had yet to be any explanation from the public prosecutor on the case.
He said thus, Takiyuddin’s actions in calling Mahathir a “hypocrite” was unbecoming of a minister “accountable to the public”.
“Takiyuddin ought to explain the position to the people instead of resorting to such name-calling which is totally unbefitting of a law minister.
“He ought to behave like a minister accountable to the public and accept valid criticism in his stride and not resort to calling those who make such criticisms hypocrites.
“Takiyuddin (below) should realise that many are questioning the said order, particularly since the Attorney-General’s Chambers seems to believe there is evidence against Riza as ad-hoc prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram has indicated that the trial against Riza will continue if he fails to honour his side of a bargain,” Ramkarpal said in a statement.
This was especially as former attorney-general (AG) Tommy Thomas had repeatedly denied agreeing to the prosecution's move to apply for a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for Riza in his five money laundering charges involving monies allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB.
The producer of The Wolf of Wall Street and Dumb and Dumber To was charged last year for allegedly receiving a total of US$248 million (RM1.07 billion) on five occasions between 2011 and 2012.
Riza was accused of committing the offences by receiving the money through the bank account of Red Granite, the Hollywood production company he co-founded.
The latest deal, however, is dependent on him fulfilling the terms of the agreement reached with the prosecution, which among others, necessitates the return of an estimated US$107.3 million (RM465.3 million) to the government.
As such, Ramkarpal today said only the public prosecutor would be in a position to explain the decision of the deal “which will be subject to public scrutiny”.
“It is to be noted that Thomas has firmly said that he never agreed to drop the said charges against Riza as part of a deal during his tenure as AG which begs the question: what has changed since then to justify the decision of the public prosecutor now.
“In such circumstances, it is quite natural for not only the former PM, but anyone, to ask why the charges against Riza will not proceed if he fulfils his side of the said agreement,” Ramkarpal, a lawyer by profession, said.
“In the absence of such an explanation from the public prosecutor, how can anyone be called a hypocrite for questioning his said decision?”
Earlier today, new AG Idrus Harun (above) had explained that he acted upon the proposal sent by Riza’s lawyers late last year upon advice his predecessor agreed to the settlement terms “in principle”.
He also said he was advised that Sri Ram, after consulting with former MACC chief Latheefa Koya, had suggested the anti-graft body accept the deal by Riza’s lawyers.
Mahathir had on Friday said he was “confused and concerned” by the court deal.
Although not questioning the judge’s decision on the matter, he expressed concern that other "thieves" could be let off the hook as long as they agree to return the money they were accused of stealing.
This led to Takiyuddin, who is minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, to call on the former premier to cease acting “like a hypocrite” as the latter’s statements can mislead the people. - Mkini
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