OPPOSITION leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin has called the implication of his name in four graft charges against a “Datuk Seri” yesterday (May 10) a political ploy aimed to tarnish his reputation.
According to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general, the charges against businessperson Sim Choo Thiam said that the projects he solicited and received bribes were under the Home Ministry when Hamzah helmed the portfolio. In fact, the charges even mentioned his name.
“What surprises me is the mention of my name when I have nothing to do with the matter. The charges claim that the four graft charges were to obtain projects under the Home Ministry. What are the projects mentioned?” said the Larut MP.
Hamzah was referring to the four graft charges filed against Sim in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court yesterday, which involved one act of soliciting and three counts of taking bribes totaling RM15 mil that allegedly occurred two years ago.
The 63-year-old businessman pleaded not guilty to perpetrating the offences between June (specific date not mentioned) and July 30, 2021, as an inducement for Hamzah, who was then home minister, to assist Asia Coding Centre Sdn Bhd in obtaining any project from ministry agencies.
Moreover, Hamzah then questioned why the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recorded his statement between 4.30pm and 7pm yesterday, hours after Sim was charged.
“The implication of my name in the charges is clearly aimed to tarnish my name and that of Bersatu and PN. This especially when the deputy prime minister cum UMNO president (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) himself has previously talked about creating a ‘court cluster’ made out of Bersatu and PN leaders,” he added.
Furthermore, Hamzah explained that the administration is concerned about the PN’s strength, which will be apparent in the upcoming state elections.
“I also understand that certain quarters are panicking about their ‘shaky’ situation, but do not resort to acts that would make the rakyat think that the MACC can be used by political leaders.”
Also, in the statement, Hamzah congratulated MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki on the extension of the latter’s term for another year but said he hoped the lifeline does not have any hidden agenda. — May 11, 2023
