Heed Malay Rulers' call on 1MDB probe: Shafie
Published on: Monday, October 12, 2015
PETALING JAYA: Umno Vice President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal is backing the Malay Rulers' call for a swift and transparent conclusion to investigations into 1MDB as it is the only way to return public confidence to the Government.He said 1MDB had yet to fully explain several allegations of serious concern to the public, including the acquisition of land in Penang and Klang, the loan taken by its subsidiary SRC International from Retirement Inc Fund (KWAP) and the transfer of billions of ringgit into third party accounts."1MDB has always said that the public should not be concerned as its assets exceed its debts.
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"Such statements are an insult to the people's intelligence as the debts have racked up because of the Government guarantee given to them as a fully-owned state firm."The company's failure to settle these debts will force the Government to step in and bear the costs," Shafie said in a statement on Sunday.The ex-Minister said despite the ongoing debt rationalisation plan being undertaken by 1MDB, the company had still failed in its business activities and was forced to sell Government assets owned by them at much lower prices."This lack of integrity and transparency in the running of the company is the reason why there is a crisis of confidence against Barisan Nasional and the Government right now.
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"Those responsible must be brought to justice and they must apologise to the people," he added.Meanwhile, MCA Youth Chief Chong Sin Woon is urging the Government to solve the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issue at the source and not prosecute whistle-blowers.
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Referring to the detention of former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Datuk Seri Khairuddin Hassan and lawyer Matthias Chang, Chong said the Government had "gone back on its promise" to not use the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) against anyone but terrorists who threaten the country's safety."Authorities should locate the source of the problem and solve it quickly, not open fire at whistle-blowers," he said in his opening address at the 51st MCA Youth annual general meeting. Chong also voiced his disagreement at the use of the Communications and Multimedia Act to suppress the freedom of online discussion on 1MDB.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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