Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should show his commitment towards fighting corruption
Caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should show his commitment towards fighting corruption by either demanding the resignation of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud or else abolish the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). This follows the shocking comments by Abdul Taib that “the MACC don't deserve my cooperation because they have been naughty... and they have not been honest”.
The Sarawak Chief Minister even characterized investigation by MACC against him for graft as “victimisation”, Abdul Taib should show proof of such “victimization” by MACC. Public opinion is that the Sarawak Chief Minister has been “shielded” by MACC rather than victimized by being given especially lenient treatment.
For a Chief Minister to refuse to co-operate with MACC over corruption allegations against him is a serious breach of duty and statutory obligation. Under section 47 and 48 of the MACC Act 2009, such refusal to co-operate with MACC when you are subject to investigation, may be an offence which can be punished by a maximum fine of RM10,000 or imprisonment of 2 years or both.
Worse is Abdul Taib Mahmud’s arrogance as a Chief Minister who thinks he is above the law. His open defiance of ethical values and standards of integrity required of a Chief Minister, who should be upholding the law instead of defying it, and be a model of ethical conduct and integrity instead of behaving like a rapacious overlord is just unacceptable.
Malaysians are now waiting to see whether Najib dares to punish and act against Abdul Taib for such disgraceful remarks.
Datuk Seri Najib must get Tan Sri Abdul Taib to resign if Najib is committed to rule of law, transparency, accountability and fighting corruption as he is an embarrassment not only to BN but also to Sarawak and Malaysia. If Tan Sri Abdul Taib does not resign, this clearly shows that there are double-standards, with the Sarawak Chief Minister enjoying legal immunity from any wrongdoing which would be applied on ordinary Malaysians.
Last month, international corruption watchdog Global Witness had released a video expose of alleged corruption in the Sarawak timber industry by hiring an actor posing as a foreign timber investor. The chief minister was alleged by the programme to have received millions of ringgit in kickbacks over land deals that have denuded the Borneo state.
Instead of co-operating and answering these allegations, Taib has chosen to attack MACC. If Taib does not resign or can escape unpunished with such disgraceful remarks, then Najib might as well abolish the MACC as the MACC is not designed to act against corruption but to cover-up on corruption.
