Opposition leader Hamzah Zainuddin called the implication of his name in four graft charges against a "Datuk Seri" yesterday a political ploy aimed to tarnish his reputation.
"The charges against businessperson Sim Choo Thiam said that the projects he solicited and received bribes were under the Home Ministry when I helmed the portfolio. In fact, the charges even mentioned my name.
"What surprises me is the mention of my name when I have nothing to do with the matter. The charges claim that the four graft charges were to obtain projects under the Home Ministry. What are the projects mentioned?" the Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general said in a statement last night.
The Larut MP was referring to the four graft charges against Sim at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court yesterday, involving one count of soliciting and three counts of receiving bribes involving RM15 million, which purportedly took place two years ago.
The 63-year-old businessperson pleaded not guilty to committing the offences between June (specific date not mentioned) and July 30, 2021, as inducement for Hamzah, who was then home minister, to help Asia Coding Centre Sdn Bhd to obtain any project from agencies under the ministry.
Meant to tarnish name
Hamzah then questioned why his statement was recorded by the MACC between 4.30pm and 7pm yesterday - hours after Sim was charged in the morning.
"The implication of my name in the charges is clearly aimed to tarnish my name and that of Bersatu and PN.
"This especially when the deputy prime minister cum Umno president (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) himself has previously talked about creating a 'court cluster' made out of Bersatu and PN leaders," said Hamzah.
He explained the reason behind this is that the government is worried about PN's strength, which he said would be apparent in the upcoming state elections.
"I also understand that certain quarters are panicking about their 'shaky' situation, but do not resort to acts that would make the rakyat think that the MACC can be used by political leaders."
Also, in the statement, Hamzah congratulated MACC chief Azam Baki on the extension of the latter's term for another year but said he hoped the lifeline does not have any hidden agenda. - Mkini
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