Published: Friday February 20, 2009 MYT 1:00:00 PM
Updated: Friday February 20, 2009 MYT 6:32:44 PM
MACC Chief: Strong evidence of power misuse by S’gor MB (Update 2)
By MANJIT KAUR
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said that there was strong evidence to show that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim misused his powers over the maintenance of his personal car and the distribution of 46 cows worth RM110,400 for slaughter during Aidil Adha celebrations in his parliamentary constituency of Bandar Tun Razak last December.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said the commission had completed its investigations and the matter would be referred to the Attorney-General (AG) for further action.
“We would suggest that legal action and so on be taken, as we have strong evidence for both the cases that abuse of power has taken place.
“Although we can make a decision to press legal charges, but the commission feels that it is better if the AG makes a decision.
“Since it involves a VIP, it is better that the case is referred to the AG, as there might be certain parties not satisfied with the investigation by the commission ,’’ he told reporters after the ground-breaking ceremony of the building of the state commission’s staff housing on Friday.
This follows a report lodged on Feb 6 by Selangor Umno Youth, alleging that Khalid had used state funds to pay for the maintenance of his personal car.
Its Shah Alam head Azhari Shaari, accompanied by the Kuala Selangor, Ulu Selangor and Kota Raja Youth chiefs, lodged the report at the Selangor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Shah Alam.
He said they were filing the report on behalf of the state Umno Youth and claimed that they had evidence that Khalid had misused his power.
On Wednesday, Khalid filed two defamation suits against Sungai Besar state assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo over allegations related to his personal car, a Lexus, and the purchase of 46 cattle.
The suits were over “Lexus is my own, says Khalid”, a report in the News Straits Times on Jan 15, and “Lepaskan jawatan MB”, published in Utusan Malaysia on Jan 23.
“On my client’s part, there are no transgressions as he has the documents to back up his purchase of the Lexus and on the purchase of the cattle, which was made solely by PKNS and donor firms, without his involvement,” Khalid’s lawyer Sankara Nair had said then.
During a separate press conference, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he regretted that MACC had allowed itself to be used as the government’s legal instrument.
“Why is it that the MACC is slow to react when it involves Barisan Nasional leaders, but when it comes to Pakatan Rakyat leaders, action is taken almost immediately,’’ he added.
Lim said MACC should be like a bird that is able to fly at all times and not only at certain times.
“Is MACC a crooked bird?’’ he asked.
Meanwhile, Khalid’s counsel Sankara Nair said in Klang on Friday that Khalid deeply regretted the statement by the MACC chief.
Sankara said that it had been the norm in MACC practice, till now, not to make statements indicating or stating the culpability of a person who was being investigated.
“Why did the MACC judge my clients culpability at this stage?” asked Sankaran.
“Let me reiterate that the protocol on the decision to prosecute places a very heavy burden on the prosecution and the mere stating of technicalities without the essential elements of criminal intent does not meet the standards to pursue prosecution.
“I, therefore, urge the MACC to act professionally at all times, said Sankaran questioning why the MACC had remained non-committal in the investigations pertaining to IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.
Sankaran said the MACCs stance reeked of double standards.
“My client being an opposition politician is singled out to look guilty in the eye of the public before he is charged or convicted.
“Senior exco member Teresa Kok, who was also at the press conference, alleged that Khalid’s persecution was politically motivated and smacked of double standards.
She added that it was also linked to the political situation in Perak.
Meanwhile, Khalid who was not at the press conference issued as statement that he had been advised by his solicitor not to comment on the matter in respect of the legal process.
Related stories
Khalid sues Khir Toyo
Khir won’t say sorry to Khalid
Report lodged against Khalid
Gerak lodges report against Selangor MB
Cattle donated by PKNS, says Khalid’s aide
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