NATURAL Resources and Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has taken legal action against fellow Bersatu member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard.
This move follows a series of allegations related to the River Basin Transformation (RTB) flood alleviation project.
Nik Nazmi’s lawyer issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to Chegubard, insisting on an immediate retraction and a public apology for the statements that the minister deemed false and damaging to his reputation as well as to the ministry and the federal government.
In an official statement, Nik Nazmi expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The gravity of these false accusations necessitates strong legal action to protect my reputation, the ministry, and the federal government.”
The Setiawangsa MP reiterated his commitment to transparency and welcomed any police investigation into Chegubard’s claims.
“As legal proceedings unfold, we affirm our dedication to transparency and adherence to the legal process.”
Moreover, this legal action comes in response to Chegubard’s recent claims that the RTB project cost up to RM16.6 bil with allegations of unknown companies and individuals receiving commissions as proxies to the minister.
Nik Nazmi firmly denied these allegations, noting that the government had reassessed flood mitigation project proposals, focusing on critical areas and that no funds had been allocated for development expenditure.
Chegubard, in turn, lodged a police report the day before, alleging millions in kickbacks for securing flood mitigation projects, leading to a significant increase in costs. He asserted that these bribes, disguised as negotiation fees were funnelled through law firms to questionable recipients including proxies for the minister.
Furthermore, Chegubard also presented an allegedly leaked letter from Nik Nazmi to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, claiming it had requested approval for tenders through direct negotiation. – Dec 28, 2023
