Ramkarpal: Leave no stone unturned in hunt for 'heritage players' culprits

 

DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh has demanded that authorities “leave no stone unturned” in bringing to justice those responsible for the alleged fraud involving the citizenship applications of seven “heritage players” on the national football team.

He made the call in response to the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) highlighting its limited powers as key parties refused to cooperate, and that the committee cannot compel witnesses or demand documents, leaving major gaps in its investigation.

Noting that the IIC recommended the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) lodge a police report, the Bukit Gelugor MP argued that the IIC ought to have directed that a police report be lodged itself as “there can be no doubt that several improprieties must have been brought to its attention in the course of its limited investigations”.

“Alternatively, the police themselves can initiate a formal report for the purpose of commencing investigations into the matter.

“Whilst it is accepted that the IIC has no authority to review the validity of the Malaysian government’s decision in granting citizenship to the seven players, there can be no doubt that the purpose of its formation was to shed light on whether such fraud was in fact committed.

“In the circumstances, its conclusions cannot be given much weight and criminal investigations into the matter by the police must begin forthwith,” he added.

Ramkarpal stressed that prompt and thorough investigations are imperative, particularly in light of Fifa’s damning findings, and to determine whether the citizenships of the players should be revoked if obtained fraudulently.

“No stone should be left unturned as the matter has attracted global attention and the culprits behind this matter ought to be brought to justice,” he said.

Stymied investigation

On Tuesday, Malaysiakini highlighted that the ICC, in its 59-page report, stated that crucial documents were withheld and implicated parties refused to cooperate with the investigation.

The ICC said it could only work with materials provided voluntarily by the FAM and the cooperation of those involved.

“This limits the IIC’s ability to fully establish the origin of the suspected forgeries or identify those responsible for the same, the committee added.

The ICC also said that it had no authority to review, evaluate or question the process of validity of the Malaysian government’s decision in granting citizenship to the seven players.

The committee said under Article 26(1) of the Federal Constitution, the government may, by order, deprive any citizen of their citizenship if satisfied that the registration or certificate of naturalisation was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or concealment of any material facts, or was effected or granted by mistake.

“In the circumstances, the IIC concludes that the seven players are Malaysian citizens. However, citizenship alone does not automatically guarantee the seven players’ eligibility to represent Malaysia in international football,” it added.

Former chief justice Raus Sharif chaired the committee, which also comprises former Court of Appeal judge Kamaludin Said, former Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit director-general Yusof Ismail, and senior lawyer Thavalingam C Thavarajah, who serves as secretary. - Mkini