Shafie must explain where RM7.5b went: Henrynus
Published on: Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Former Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Shafie Afdal has to explain how the RM7.5 billion allocation under his Ministry was disbursed and who actually benefited from the contracts, if the allegations being investigated by the MACC have basis. Parti Anak Negeri President Datuk Henrynus Amin said one of Shafie's party officials who is a well-known local contractor has been showing off his wealth and people can easily speculate as to how he got them. Henrynus said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must probe further and deeper into other high profile BN leaders at national and state levels closely connected to the RM7.5 billion projects implemented by the Federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development. ADVERTISEMENT He said MACC must investigate all allegations involving public officials regardless of their position, connections or political affiliation without fear of favour."MACC has the authority to arrest and investigate anyone suspected of corruption and the onus is on the suspect to prove his or her innocence."The party subscribes to the old adage, a suspect is innocent until proven guilty and would allow justice to take its course. If there is nothing, MACC gets nothing," he said.Henrynus said the strings of high profile arrests especially involving a former federal minister turned opposition leader gives the impression that MACC was being selective, targeting only those deemed a threat to the establishment.ADVERTISEMENT He said the hive of MACC activities on the eve of the general election also beg the question why now, not then when these leaders were top Umno leaders.Parti Anak Negeri supports the right of MACC to investigate arrest and prosecute corrupt offenders, but the party expects them to be consistent rather than selective and exercise professionalism in handling high profile corruption cases.
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"Investigation process must be transparent, based on established rules and procedures that protect the rights and dignity of those who are arrested but yet to be convicted for the crime they were being arrested for."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Henrynus said the string of high profile corruption cases in recent months has brought disrepute to the state as Sabah has become the hotbeds of corruption scandals."Parti Anak Negeri therefore join the chorus of voices among Sabahans in demanding a clean, fair, responsible and corrupt free government," he said.