The Barisan Nasional chairman told a press conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre this afternoon that the case had been thoroughly investigated before it was taken to court.
“What is this about it being a sandiwara? Once there is a charge, that means we do not view this as just a game.
“This is something that the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) has thoroughly investigated,” he said after witnessing the signing of an anti-corruption loyalty pledge by the business community here earlier.
The Prime Minister added that the MACC and the Attorney-General’s Chambers had strictly adhered to the proper processes before bringing the matter to court.
“The MACC, as an independent body, brought the matter to the A-G, who is also impartial. All these processes have to be followed and now that the A-G has made his decision to bring the matter to court, let the courts decide. We cannot say a person is guilty... the court determines this,” he said.
Khir claimed trial in the Sessions Court last week when he was charged with alleged land fraud in connection with the purchase of property in Section 7, Shah Alam.
The former mentri besar was accused of knowingly purchasing two land lots and bungalow for RM3.5 million in Section 7 here from Ditamas Sdn Bhd in 2007 despite the company buying the property for RM6.5 million on December 23, 2004.
The Sungai Panjang assemblyman had allegedly obtained the two land lots and bungalow, which are located at No. 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Shah Alam, for himself and his wife Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, 45.
The purchase was purportedly made through Ditamas director Datuk Shamsuddin Hayroni, 54, at his then official Selangor Mentri Besar residence at Jalan Permata 7/1, Section 7 here on May 29, 2007.
If found guilty, Khir, 45, faces two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both under section 165 of the Penal Code.
Following this, Khir resigned from his post as Selangor Opposition Leader yesterday.
Despite this, the opposition has cast doubt on Khir’s persecution, pointing out that it was timed strategically amid widening speculation that snap polls were around the corner.
Several leaders, including Khir’s successor from Pakatan Rakyat, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, had warned BN against turning the case into a mere trial for show, created for the sole purpose of garnering confidence in Najib’s leadership.
Najib however insisted today that his political foes in PR were merely continuing their attempts to politicise the issue of corruption and accuse the government of not being serious in its fight against graft.
“Corruption has become a political issue now. They want to accuse us, say that we are not serious or that we are doing a cover-up or that we conduct selective prosecution and so on.
“But we are always bound by the law and MACC is free to investigate anyone,” he said.
He added that the government would not make hasty or impulsive decisions on such matters as it would only serve as a backlash on the administration if it lost the case in court.
“There would be a bad implication on us if the case is brought to court and we lose it. It is even worse than the reverse, in fact.
“So before the case is taken to court, the MACC and the A-G has to be confident enough that they have a case and even then, it depends on the witnesses.
“If the witness changes his stand suddenly and becomes hostile, the court can throw the case out,” he said.
In his speech at the function earlier, Najib pointed out that certain groups preferred to spread gossip and politicise corruption crimes instead of helping the government fight against it.
“This affects and worsens the perception of corruption in Malaysia and makes our fight harder.
“I hope this will not continue because it would be better if they helped us to fight crime, instead of making accusations against us,” he said.
