Harapan Worried Over Details Coming From High Profile Graft Cases

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Pakatan Harapan presidential council has raised concern over escalating corruption in the country as more details are being disclosed in the two ongoing high-profile graft trials.
In a joint statement today, the coalition leaders reiterated the need for the country to table a standalone bill on political funding and to place the MACC under Parliament.
They referred to a court testimony where former chief secretary to the government Mohd Sidek Hassan (above) said he did not attend any 1MDB advisory board meeting despite being appointed to the board with monthly wages of RM30,000.
While testifying in the 1MDB trial, Sidek, appointed as an advisory board member between 2010 and 2015, said he received RM30,000 a month until June 2012 and later the fee was slashed to RM10,000 after he stepped down as chief secretary.
Sidek said he was never invited to any meetings to discuss issues related to the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.
Harapan also pointed to the trial of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, where a former director of Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) said Zahid had received between SG$200,000 and SG$520,000 a month.
"The former director also said Khairy Jamaluddin through Rembau Umno had received between RM50,000 and RM200,000," said Harapan leaders.
Health Minister and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin‘Both cases are troubling’
In the Zahid's trial, Wan Quoris Shah Wan Abdul Ghani, former director of UKSB testified that financial assistance given by the company to Zahid was aimed at strengthening the company’s position as a Home Ministry contractor.
"Both cases are particularly troubling, not only because they involved senior political figures but also key civil service figures," said Harapan leaders.
The presidential council reiterated its commitment to combat graft.
“Therefore, few reforms and firm actions need to be implemented by the government immediately, including the political funding Bill and placing the MACC under the jurisdiction of Parliament.”
The statement was endorsed by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and Upko president Madius Tangau. - Mkini

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