THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) move to probe Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar dispels any allegations by Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders that the authorities only investigate the opposition for graft, said an Amanah leader.
In fact, Amanah Youth chief Mohd Hasbie Muda pointed out that the active investigation into the DAP deputy secretary-general could very well give the current Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition an upper hand in the forthcoming state polls as it will assert that the government does not practise favouritism.
“This shows that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gives freedom to the MACC to investigate anyone, including government leaders,” Hasbie, who is also a senator, was quoted telling Utusan Malaysia.
“Thus, claims that the authorities only went after PN are certainly not true because Sivakumar is also a minister from DAP.”
Hasbie further expressed hopes that Sivakumar did not have anything to do with the investigation he is facing at the moment.
If somehow the minister was indeed found to be involved in the case, he should be relieved of his duties, he added.
The MACC has interrogated Sivakumar twice as part of its investigation into migrant worker authorisations.
The anti-corruption watchdog apprehended three people last week, including two senior aides to the minister and a businessman from Ipoh, Perak.
According to The Star, the trio was released after their remand order expired.
According to Anwar, there is no need for Sivakumar to be given time off pending the outcome of the investigation because no charges have been filed against the minister. – April 20, 2023
Main pic credit: Malay Mail
