KUALA LUMPUR, June 23- Tempers flared today during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal when the head of the anti-graft agency refused to answer most questions thrown at him over its ongoing probe.
The Malaysian Insider understands Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan had stonewalled the bipartisan parliamentary committee by repeatedly citing legal provisions which he said prevented him from giving specific answers to questions from the lawmakers.
According to sources, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief's stance frustrated Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua to such an extent that he lost his cool and shouted at the government officer, accusing him of being in contempt of Parliament.
Pua also accused the MACC chief of double standards, citing Ahmad Said’s eagerness recently to make public statements about an ongoing investigations for alleged graft against Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
Ahmad Said remained silent and refused to respond to the accusations.
When asked about previous reports on corruption and abuse of power lodged in relation to PKFZ in 2004, Ahmad Said said the old files had all been closed because it was concluded that there was no wrongdoing.
These included reports alleging a former transport minister had provided financial guarantees from the government for the project when he was not authorised to do so.
Asked if he still stood by the findings of the earlier investigation, Ahmad Said said he could not comment because the matter was still being investigated.
Ahmad Said also refused to disclose the identities of the 15 witness called so far by the MACC to assist in the probe.
He said the MACC would take up to six months to complete the probe.
The PAC was supposed be briefed last week on the MACC’s investigation into how PKFZ’s initial cost of nearly RM2 billion could rise to RM12.5 billion because of various discrepancies.
However the PAC inquiry was delayed when Ahmad Said failed to appear before the committee, sending MACC investigation director Datuk Mohd Shukri Abdul instead.
When contacted after the session, Pua refused to comment on what had transpired, saying only “Wait for the report”.
Briefing reporters later, PAC deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw said the committee was briefed on the land acquisition for PKFZ as well as the letters on guarantees provided by a minister.
When asked if the committee was satisfied with Ahmad Said’s explanation, Dr Tan said it was not a matter of being satisfied as the inquiry was an ongoing process.
He said the committee would meet again next Tuesday to decide if the Attorney-General (AG) should be called to the inquiry.
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written by tony, June 23, 2009
written by tony, June 23, 2009
this macc,,is a real cuprit,,for what wrong doing in the country,,this was publish in malay yesterday,,they have lost the filed containg all the wroing doing of the previojus state govn in selangor,,the land scam,,where the politician took away; land meant for teh poor,,,,imagine,the macc,,can lost files,,containg such important document,,some thing is very wroing in our country,,and macc,,,the controlling body of bn govn,,,,how can we trust,the macc,,now and the govn,,,and off course all the component party MCA,,MIC ,,ETC,,THEY ARE JSUT KEEPOING QUIET
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written by wkc, June 23, 2009
written by wkc, June 23, 2009
We all know who MACC actually works for. There is no such thing as transparency and accountability. Guess why all the culprits are always so willing to "refer their cases" to MACC. Because they know nothing will be done, everything will be safely covered up and noone will be charged. This is not the HK ICAC.
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written by donkey, June 23, 2009
written by donkey, June 23, 2009
MACC go fly a kite!
You look more like a collaborator than a investigator of corruption!
You give the voters more reason to get rid of BN in the next election!
You look more like a collaborator than a investigator of corruption!
You give the voters more reason to get rid of BN in the next election!
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written by MalaysianForever, June 23, 2009
written by MalaysianForever, June 23, 2009
Dear MACC chief, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan, you better start walking your talk, otherwise you putting yourself, as well as the Barisan Nasional government and its Cabinet in a pot of 'yogurt'.
Now onwards, the Court of Public Perception rules the day.
Now onwards, the Court of Public Perception rules the day.
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written by conspiracy theorist, June 23, 2009
written by conspiracy theorist, June 23, 2009
expected conclusion:
no one is guilty as everything is done in 'accordance with procedure'. case close.
the sandiwara is always the same. just makes me wonder why change name to macc anyway, sending delegates to hong kong's fame icac with public fund? isn't everything to do with the law enforcer & whatever else with malaysian government embarass enough? dont make a fool of ourselves in international scene & embarass other reputable organization. i bet more & more, citizen here are getting more ashame in telling others where we were born thanks to bn
no one is guilty as everything is done in 'accordance with procedure'. case close.
the sandiwara is always the same. just makes me wonder why change name to macc anyway, sending delegates to hong kong's fame icac with public fund? isn't everything to do with the law enforcer & whatever else with malaysian government embarass enough? dont make a fool of ourselves in international scene & embarass other reputable organization. i bet more & more, citizen here are getting more ashame in telling others where we were born thanks to bn
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written by donkey, June 23, 2009
written by donkey, June 23, 2009
MACC go fly a kite!
You look more like a collaborator than a investigator of corruption!
You give the voters more reason to get rid of BN in the next election!
You look more like a collaborator than a investigator of corruption!
You give the voters more reason to get rid of BN in the next election!
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written by No deal with crooks & cons, June 23, 2009
written by No deal with crooks & cons, June 23, 2009
Such case of public interest should be televised live as this scandal involved taxpayers' money.
His silence was an admission in protecting the "guilty" ones in this scandal.
Recalled Ahmad saying that MACC was much better than ICAC.....what a looney
His silence was an admission in protecting the "guilty" ones in this scandal.
Recalled Ahmad saying that MACC was much better than ICAC.....what a looney
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written by butt.foxx, June 23, 2009
written by butt.foxx, June 23, 2009
MACC is using their usual tactics saying investigation will take months and by that time MACC hopes the matter is long forgotten and if anyone ask then, the standard answer will be there's no or insufficient eveidence to press charges, etc. Sounds familiar???
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written by Barisan Neraka, June 23, 2009
written by Barisan Neraka, June 23, 2009
MACC = Malaysian Association of Cronism and Culprits and Cronies!!!
Another untrustworthy government's arm. Good reason for the rakyat to dispose Barisan Neraka
1BlackMalaysia. Corruption First. Performance Never
Another untrustworthy government's arm. Good reason for the rakyat to dispose Barisan Neraka
1BlackMalaysia. Corruption First. Performance Never
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written by prachai, June 23, 2009
written by prachai, June 23, 2009
We need a mechanism that can punish public office holders like this who think they can refuse to answer to the people, in Parliament. As it is, they can just play stupid and get away with it.
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written by susie, June 23, 2009
written by susie, June 23, 2009
MACC is a slave. So is the head of MACC. No balls. Eunuch. Malaysian Agency for Car and Cow is really the best they can do! And the BN government wonder why they are hated so much by the rakyat! Because the corrupt protects the corrupt! And worse the Anti Corrupt Agency is the protector of all the corrupts! Sheezzzhh.. How not to expect the rakyat to change the government? Another person doomed for hell for sure. Much is given much is expected and accountable. This agency much is expected and MUCH is accountable.
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written by 1igornant, June 23, 2009
written by 1igornant, June 23, 2009
I suppose this is what the DPM terms as Umno/BN's strengths. Umno/BN have the full and undivided support of the government apparatus to ensure they will remain in power forever. These government apparatus forms the fourth branch of the government giving the executive absolute majority.
The executive has the control of the judiciary and the government apparatus leaving the legislative alone in the wilderness. That's why Umno/BN does not need the two-third majority in parliament, nor the unity government to govern effectively.
It makes a mockery of our system of government.
The executive has the control of the judiciary and the government apparatus leaving the legislative alone in the wilderness. That's why Umno/BN does not need the two-third majority in parliament, nor the unity government to govern effectively.
It makes a mockery of our system of government.
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written by Eskay, June 23, 2009
written by Eskay, June 23, 2009
"Ahmad claimed that Macc is better and more efficient that the Icac".
What a joke. He should tell that to the marines. Oops, sorry, we don't have marines but we only got musangs. That would do.
I would think that Ahmad's Macc as far as integrity, efficiency, fairness & transparency is concerned is far, far too wide to compare.
Like the Icac on top of our twin-towers and the Macc at ground level. That is fair range of comparison.
What a joke. He should tell that to the marines. Oops, sorry, we don't have marines but we only got musangs. That would do.
I would think that Ahmad's Macc as far as integrity, efficiency, fairness & transparency is concerned is far, far too wide to compare.
Like the Icac on top of our twin-towers and the Macc at ground level. That is fair range of comparison.
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written by CONCERNED PERAKIAN, June 23, 2009
written by CONCERNED PERAKIAN, June 23, 2009
Is MACC is worth for what it is? While, they were fast and furious in other matters and came out with statements damaging reputation of many innocent people but now sighting law why he cannot answer questions. Is this a double standard? I am still awaiting charge sheet against Datuks in MRR2 probe. God knows why Samy nowdays is so shaky? I believe his balls are in the hand of high up!
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written by saye, June 23, 2009
written by saye, June 23, 2009
Inilah standard pegawai2 kerajaan .... Power/kuasa mau, responsibility/tanggungjawab tak mau.... sampai bila Malaysia kena put-up with these people????
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written by Jokerer, June 23, 2009
written by Jokerer, June 23, 2009
What a joke MACC - rakyat lost the trust on you. When cases of PR just surface, within 24 hours action taken, eg, deputy CM penang - fairuz arrested in JB Immigration. MB selangor car and cow case - solid evidence and publish in newspaper. But when come to selected or blue eye boys - it will take months to solve or case close. Keep it up with your good conscience job MACC. How to expect the public to give you any information if you can't even show some creditility and where is your intergrity- if you have.
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written by Razali, June 23, 2009
written by Razali, June 23, 2009
The Committee should probe and find out the motive behind the MACC Chief's behaviour. Does it have the power to do so?
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written by Leong Yook Kong, June 23, 2009
written by Leong Yook Kong, June 23, 2009
What can the people expect from MACC? MACC is very efficient in investigating cows and cars cases only. He was absent without excuse at his first appearance in front of PAC. He refused to answer most of the questions asked by PAC. Can he be cited for contempt of Parliament? YB Tony Pua, please keep your cool and wait for GE13.
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written by MindlessMalaysian, June 23, 2009
written by MindlessMalaysian, June 23, 2009
MACC cannot lah - sure the MCA suckling leeches are fronts for the umno expropriators.
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written by Dr.Carl Benedict, June 23, 2009
written by Dr.Carl Benedict, June 23, 2009
Dear All,
Please understand, MACC also employees. They have bosses to report to and they must follow instructions.
MACC is the same like the Police, FRUs, Judiciary and Election Commission. THey all have to listen to the common Boss.
Please understand, MACC also employees. They have bosses to report to and they must follow instructions.
MACC is the same like the Police, FRUs, Judiciary and Election Commission. THey all have to listen to the common Boss.
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written by Malaysian, June 23, 2009
written by Malaysian, June 23, 2009
I take my hat off to Tony Pua for his courage and effort in seeking the truth for the benefit of Malaysians.
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written by ziggy, June 23, 2009
written by ziggy, June 23, 2009
MACC is themselves corrupted starting from the Office Boy to the Head of MACC, they are all owned
and controlled by Najib. Ahmad Said Hamdan, please no not shame ICAC of Hong Kong, if you were
a Staff Member in ICAC you yourself would have had been charged for corruption and put behind Bars
long time ago you Slimball Balls carrier.
and controlled by Najib. Ahmad Said Hamdan, please no not shame ICAC of Hong Kong, if you were
a Staff Member in ICAC you yourself would have had been charged for corruption and put behind Bars
long time ago you Slimball Balls carrier.
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written by Ramesh, June 23, 2009
written by Ramesh, June 23, 2009
Is this the MACC efficiency that the "Barisan National"/National Front Government has proudly announced to the whole world? So efficient that it beats Hong Kong's ICAC? Hahaha... what a joke! The whole world is watching and laughing as this comedy is being played out.
Will any country take Malaysia seriously when the Malaysian Government says it is serious in combating corruption and abuse of power? Give me a break! Even Indonesia has shown more commitment in tackling corruption compared to Malaysia nowadays!
Will any country take Malaysia seriously when the Malaysian Government says it is serious in combating corruption and abuse of power? Give me a break! Even Indonesia has shown more commitment in tackling corruption compared to Malaysia nowadays!
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written by BusukNajiz, June 23, 2009
written by BusukNajiz, June 23, 2009
It proves that PAC had no real power & cannot command respect from even MACC !!!
PAC is just another powerless commission !!!
In Boleh_land, ONLY UMNO BN held the real power !!!
PAC is just another powerless commission !!!
In Boleh_land, ONLY UMNO BN held the real power !!!
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written by Gentlemen, June 23, 2009
written by Gentlemen, June 23, 2009
MACC and PDRM main duties are :
1. To probe, charge and jail the BN's enemies/challengers on non-existing cases.
2. To collect, keep and destroy proof of BN's and cronies' corruptions and misconducts.
3. To safeguard BN & BN's cronies and their benefits, and to threaten/annoy innocent BN's enemies / challengers.
4. To demonstrate and promote double-standards and 'Bolehland' in Malaysia.
Malaysia 'bullshhh.....eh".
1. To probe, charge and jail the BN's enemies/challengers on non-existing cases.
2. To collect, keep and destroy proof of BN's and cronies' corruptions and misconducts.
3. To safeguard BN & BN's cronies and their benefits, and to threaten/annoy innocent BN's enemies / challengers.
4. To demonstrate and promote double-standards and 'Bolehland' in Malaysia.
Malaysia 'bullshhh.....eh".
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written by Cirda, June 24, 2009
written by Cirda, June 24, 2009
What to do. Didn't the public know that that MACC changed it's name? It now stands for Malaysian Assist-Corruption (and get) Commission(s). That's MACC!
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written by yg benor, June 24, 2009
written by yg benor, June 24, 2009
macc chief your days are out numbered, when pakatan takes over soon. Get ready to be shipped out.
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written by Paul Sebastian, June 24, 2009
written by Paul Sebastian, June 24, 2009
It's becoming clear that MACC stands for Masters At Covering Corruption. The truth will prevail but at the heavy cost of damaging our country's image! The rot begins at the head - remove it before its too late.
by Manaboleh
by Manaboleh
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written by Paul Sebastian, June 24, 2009
written by Paul Sebastian, June 24, 2009
It's becoming clear that MACC stands for Masters At Covering Corruption. The rot begins at the head: remove it! He must be asked to resign if he can't perform his duties.
by Manaboleh
by Manaboleh
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written by Tun Lanang, June 24, 2009
written by Tun Lanang, June 24, 2009
MACC is only truly independent if it is made answerable to Parliament. As practised now, it is under the PM' s Deparment. How can it then be independent?
The PM will protect his pro-government politicians,etc except in exceptional circumstances where he cannot help it but forced to take actions against people like Eric Chia.
The PAC , though no executive powers, is an extension of Parliament. It carries out its functions with the sanction of Parliament. It has the will of the rakyat behind it. Thus, it can influence public opinion/perception. The government is wise to remember this fact, and to ignore it can mean a political suicide.
The PM will protect his pro-government politicians,etc except in exceptional circumstances where he cannot help it but forced to take actions against people like Eric Chia.
The PAC , though no executive powers, is an extension of Parliament. It carries out its functions with the sanction of Parliament. It has the will of the rakyat behind it. Thus, it can influence public opinion/perception. The government is wise to remember this fact, and to ignore it can mean a political suicide.
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written by Ed, June 24, 2009
written by Ed, June 24, 2009
When no one wants you to talk, you talk as if you desperately needed attention (on the COWs and CAR issue some time back). Now when we want you to talk, you are quoting all sort of provision. C'mon man, we all know how ineffective the MACC are and how incompetent you are when it come to matters which concern about the public matter. You and the Malaysia Agency of Clowns and Comedians worked best when it concern opposition. If PR is handling PKFZ, i'm pretty sure you are more than willing to open a separate press conference to address the progress.
As always, MACC is nothing except a bunch of idiotic moron being paid using tax payers' money, sitting there and serving no one except umno-bn.
As always, MACC is nothing except a bunch of idiotic moron being paid using tax payers' money, sitting there and serving no one except umno-bn.
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written by Present Values, June 24, 2009
written by Present Values, June 24, 2009
This Ah-mat Suck Harm-Done fella must be asked to resign for his obvious failure to bring those implicated and responsible for the Billions of $$$ swindled and over-valued deals.
He and MACC or formerly ACA for that matter cannot claimed ignorance - this PKFZ scandal (no one from the Govt has ever denied this being a scandal!!! to date) has been in the limelight and public knowledge for so many years...it showed "selective intelligence gathering" and gross negligence on the part of senior officers of MACC or those in ACA/BPR whatever name you call it.
En. ASH, just imagine if only just 20% of this country's top level tax payers write to the Inland Revenue Board to declare that they have lost their files and records...hence no need to pay income tax!!!
What kind of rule of law or BN-Govt benchmark or KPI of the Federal Govt is this???
Six months to conclude this investigations??? he must be sleeping and teh-tarik every 3 hours.
How can MACC arrest or detain so many "suspected" politicians of the wrong-side in just 6 hours or 6 days of a report being lodged? Just recall those cases highlighted in the press for the past year.
He and MACC or formerly ACA for that matter cannot claimed ignorance - this PKFZ scandal (no one from the Govt has ever denied this being a scandal!!! to date) has been in the limelight and public knowledge for so many years...it showed "selective intelligence gathering" and gross negligence on the part of senior officers of MACC or those in ACA/BPR whatever name you call it.
En. ASH, just imagine if only just 20% of this country's top level tax payers write to the Inland Revenue Board to declare that they have lost their files and records...hence no need to pay income tax!!!
What kind of rule of law or BN-Govt benchmark or KPI of the Federal Govt is this???
Six months to conclude this investigations??? he must be sleeping and teh-tarik every 3 hours.
How can MACC arrest or detain so many "suspected" politicians of the wrong-side in just 6 hours or 6 days of a report being lodged? Just recall those cases highlighted in the press for the past year.
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written by PH Chin, June 24, 2009
written by PH Chin, June 24, 2009
Will all the MPs who champion good governance, integrity and anti-corruption come forward to cite the MACC chief for the contempt of Parliament
Perhaps it is time to call for the change in the coy MACC chief.
Perhaps it is time to call for the change in the coy MACC chief.
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written by Every Body Can Fly, June 24, 2009
MACC must be answerable to CABINET since their salary is on tax payers money.
If no perfomance then kick this GAJI BUTA goverment officers out of office.
written by Every Body Can Fly, June 24, 2009
MACC must be answerable to CABINET since their salary is on tax payers money.
If no perfomance then kick this GAJI BUTA goverment officers out of office.
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written by Neo, June 24, 2009
written by Neo, June 24, 2009
Corruption,Corruption,Corruption,Corruption,Corruption,
M'sia Corruption index is going to be on par with Zimbabwe or North Korea. Totally hopeless.
M'sia Corruption index is going to be on par with Zimbabwe or North Korea. Totally hopeless.
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written by ML, June 24, 2009
written by ML, June 24, 2009
After 6 months - MACC will clear everyone involved. No case and those corrupted fellas will continue to enjoy our money & Don't forget about Khir Toyol!! Now the heat is on PKTZ and he thinks that people has forgotten about his Disneygate.
Can't wait for next election - to wipe BN off once and for all!
Can't wait for next election - to wipe BN off once and for all!
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written by Jong, June 24, 2009
written by Jong, June 24, 2009
MACC Chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan should resign and join UMNO. He behaves more like a politician than a civil servant!
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written by anthony stiven, June 24, 2009
written by anthony stiven, June 24, 2009
If this how the MACC Chief going to act then the PAC should demand that he be sacked with immediate effect. As a body to tackle corruption and misuse of power, he does not reflect the right person to head
the organisation.
the organisation.
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written by kopite, June 24, 2009
written by kopite, June 24, 2009
Next time, MACC Chief should just issue a standard answer to any inquiries or Press Conference.
Answer #1: Sorry, no comment
Answer # 2: I can't anwer this, it's still under investigation
Answer # 3: This question is irrelevant
Answer # 4: Sorry, I'm not bright enough to understand/digest this question.
Answer # 5: My dog ate the evidence, so no case. You can prosecute my dog if you want.
Answer # 6: Please rotate the above answers.
I think then we'll save lots of time and taxpayers' monies.
Answer #1: Sorry, no comment
Answer # 2: I can't anwer this, it's still under investigation
Answer # 3: This question is irrelevant
Answer # 4: Sorry, I'm not bright enough to understand/digest this question.
Answer # 5: My dog ate the evidence, so no case. You can prosecute my dog if you want.
Answer # 6: Please rotate the above answers.
I think then we'll save lots of time and taxpayers' monies.
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written by Perakian, June 24, 2009
written by Perakian, June 24, 2009
As expected, nothing new. So typical of BN agencies. These donkeys don’t even care what you think. They act as they wish.
Enough of this BN ’sandiwara.’ This MACC is like a monkey show now. When it involved Selangor MB, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, those MACC monkeys were so ’super effective and efficient’ with their investigation that they announced that they had proof. Till now, we haven’t heard that Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has been charged in court.
However, when it involves BN cronies, as usual, they take forever till people forget about the scandal. There were already reports made few years ago, but they didn’t find anything wrong. Of course there is nothing wrong for BN cronies, it’s a BN project for BN cronies. ‘Sama-sama makan, sama-sama kaya’ project. What do we get? Nothing, we are still poor as ever. We work and pay tax, and they take away the money and keep it in their bank accounts. We pay RM10, they give us back RM3 and they call that development.
To the people of Sabah and Sarawak, please stop voting for BN. If you want to vote for BN, vote for them to take care of your state government, NOT the federal government. The tax money you pay is going to the pocket of the BN cronies in Peninsular Malaysia. It is not little money. It is RM12.5 billion. What do you get in Sabah and Sarawak? Nothing, no development, no welfare programs. They take your timber and petroleum everyday, but give you nothing back. Think wisely.
Enough of this BN ’sandiwara.’ This MACC is like a monkey show now. When it involved Selangor MB, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, those MACC monkeys were so ’super effective and efficient’ with their investigation that they announced that they had proof. Till now, we haven’t heard that Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has been charged in court.
However, when it involves BN cronies, as usual, they take forever till people forget about the scandal. There were already reports made few years ago, but they didn’t find anything wrong. Of course there is nothing wrong for BN cronies, it’s a BN project for BN cronies. ‘Sama-sama makan, sama-sama kaya’ project. What do we get? Nothing, we are still poor as ever. We work and pay tax, and they take away the money and keep it in their bank accounts. We pay RM10, they give us back RM3 and they call that development.
To the people of Sabah and Sarawak, please stop voting for BN. If you want to vote for BN, vote for them to take care of your state government, NOT the federal government. The tax money you pay is going to the pocket of the BN cronies in Peninsular Malaysia. It is not little money. It is RM12.5 billion. What do you get in Sabah and Sarawak? Nothing, no development, no welfare programs. They take your timber and petroleum everyday, but give you nothing back. Think wisely.
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written by salau, June 24, 2009
written by salau, June 24, 2009
hahaha.. tell me about parliament sovereignty and separation of power!! hahaha.. a civil servant whose salary is paid for by the people whom the MPs are representing in the PAC can be so arrogant and even smear at the PAC. and the PAC/parliament can't and won't do anything about this.
tell me about separation of power!! hahaha..
tell me about separation of power!! hahaha..
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