KUALA LUMPUR: There was a light moment at a press conference in Parliament after Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim do not consume cannabis.
Rafizi was responding to queries by reporters on the police’s seizure of a parcel containing toothpaste with cannabis extract that was addressed to him and Anwar.
“I don’t know, it was sent to the office. I didn’t open it myself.
“It was addressed to the Prime Minister and myself. None of us take 'weed' so I think it was a waste,” said Rafizi during a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday (March 14).
“It (the parcel) was then given to the police station,” added Rafizi.
A police report was lodged by an officer for Rafizi on March 13 after receiving a call from a delivery service.
The tube of the toothpaste had patterns of marijuana leaves in green and white, along with the “Happy Green” label.
The case is currently being probed under Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which deals with the possession of raw opium, coca leaves, poppy-straw and cannabis.
Meanwhile, in the press conference, Rafizi said the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) was committed to announce a simplified and shorter expatriate permit application by June.
“While this may not sound as big news to most Malaysians, it is among the top key concerns of investors and industries.
“Because the current process (expatriate permit application) can take up to five to six months,” said Rafizi.
“So, in three months, we can roll out ours, which is a simplified process,” added Rafizi.