By Jason Yeo
HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has revealed a photograph allegedly of caretaker Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor with a Chinese national linked to the state’s rare earth elements (REE) theft in Sik, Kedah.
Saifuddin, who is also the PKR secretary-general, said that the photo of the individual suspected of being So Loi Fat was one of two skilled workers brought into Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) to mine REE.
He also revealed the application document for the special visit passes that was applied for and signed by MBI CEO Muhammad Sobri Osman.
“Clearly there was an application for a Special Visit Pass for these two Chinese nationals, whose employer is MBI. Now the denial has been made by the top management of the corporation. I welcome the police report being made, as this will allow the investigation to continue.
“It is clear that this is a letter from Sanusi and the CEO of MBI with the names of two Chinese nationals that I have mentioned many times.
“Sanusi must be responsible and answer the questions that arise. Do not deflect to other issues. The ball is in your court to explain the issue from a governance perspective. Avoiding this is not a choice,” Saifuddin said at a press conference at the Kedah PKR Office today (Aug 1).
Saifuddin said Sanusi should explain why he had recently denied any knowledge of the man, identified as So Loi Fat, despite signing a letter to the then home minister to facilitate the man’s application to enter the country in 2020.
“Sanusi claimed that he doesn’t know who So Loi Fat is and said he was not involved with MBI affairs.
“For sure, it is not wrong for Sanusi to pose for a picture with So Loi Fat..we are not arguing that. But why did he deny knowing the man?
“His letter to the then home minister clearly stated that he had applied for a working pass for So Loi Fat. Since you applied on his behalf, how can you claim to not know him?”
According to Saifuddin the purpose of the disclosure was to highlight Sanusi’s incompetence in managing the Kedah state government to the point where MBI became involved in the REE theft.
Saifuddin also stated that he will continue to highlight the issue to the public’s interest, especially for the people of Kedah.
“I am just compiling and putting the right perspective on it for the people in Kedah. I say this is a serious theft incident that violates all existing laws, but Sanusi chose to avoid it.
“With the disclosure of this information, I hope they can know how big a loss it is for the people of Kedah to enjoy the fruits of the earth legally in accordance with the law,” he said.
Previously, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested Sobri and a female director of a company to assist in an investigation involving corruption amounting to more than RM13 mil, with the pair have since been released.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki later said Sanusi would be among those called in by the anti-graft agency in its investigation into the case.
Sanusi, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director, revealed that the graft buster has already summoned 10 Kedah state executive council members to assist in its investigation. – Aug 1, 2023
Main pic credit: Malay Mail
