Anwar seeks to meet MACC chief over 'offers' to PKR MPs

 

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim wants to hold a meeting with MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki on the issue of alleged enticement offered to at least five PKR MPs in exchange for their support to Perikatan Nasional (PN).

He said this after four other PKR lawmakers, aside from Sekijang MP Natrah Ismail, revealed they were allegedly approached with an offer to switch sides.

"Aside from Natrah, Padang Serai, Sungai Siput, Putatan and Miri mentioned they were either threatened or offered various enticements for their support.

"This is not politics. This is an abuse of power through exercising pressure," Anwar said during a press conference at a hotel in Petaling Jaya today, after chairing a meeting with party MPs.

Johor MACC yesterday said it has recorded statements from Natrah and three other witnesses to complete its probe and had submitted the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action. 

Anwar, who said he will be writing to Azam tomorrow, also alluded to the recent MACC probe against Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar, claiming that the anti-graft body was using the case as a "political weapon".

"In the latest MACC case, that's clearly a political weapon.

"If you jump, the probe will be postponed. Otherwise, you will be targeted," he said.

Anwar also revealed that he had met with Jayakumar about a week before the former minister's exit from PKR.

Asked about Jayakumar's claim of being disappointed with PKR, Anwar said the matter was not raised during their meeting.

"He met me and mentioned the problems he was facing. I told him don't worry, if he is not guilty, we will back him," he said.

"Then he (Jayakumar) said a senior minister had met him and had also threatened him," Anwar added.

In announcing his decision, Jayakumar had said his exit from PKR was necessary, citing a need to ensure that the PN government remains stable and to avoid an election.

Jayakumar had been part of PKR since 1998 back when the party was called Parti Keadilan Nasional. - Mkini