The New Straits Times
by Karen Arukesamy
by Karen Arukesamy
PETALING JAYA (Jan 12, 2011): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will continue investigations into allegations made against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.
"The panel agreed that investigation by MACC will continue where necessary to determine the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG," the commission’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel secretariat said in a statement today.
The decision was made after the panel held a dialogue with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein on MACC’s commitment to step up the fight against corruption.
An online portal had made allegations pertaining to Abdul Gani’s relationship with former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli’s proxy, Shahidan Shafie, particularly in relation to a haj pilgrimage with his family.
The portal asked what part Abdul Gani had played in omitting to charge Tajudin for the RM8 billion in losses the national carrier recorded during his tenure.
"The panel agreed that investigation by MACC will continue where necessary to determine the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG," the commission’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel secretariat said in a statement today.
The decision was made after the panel held a dialogue with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein on MACC’s commitment to step up the fight against corruption.
An online portal had made allegations pertaining to Abdul Gani’s relationship with former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli’s proxy, Shahidan Shafie, particularly in relation to a haj pilgrimage with his family.
The portal asked what part Abdul Gani had played in omitting to charge Tajudin for the RM8 billion in losses the national carrier recorded during his tenure.
According to the secretariat, the panel had discussed yesterday a statement made by its chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam on Jan 4, after Abdul Gani had met with the panel and board members.
Points raised at the meeting include that Navaratnam’s statement touched only on Abdul Gani’s explanation on expenses incurred during his pilgrimage; and that it was Navaratnam’s personal judgment when he said the panel had generally accepted Abdul Gani’s explanation as satisfactory.
The meeting yesterday was attended by Navaratnam, Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Rahman Embong, Dr Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid, Prof Dr Ishak Tambi Kechik, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Anis Yusal Yusoff and Tan Sri Robert Phang.
Navaratnam’s statement had attracted the criticism of fellow panel member Phang, who has been relentless in determining the truth of the allegations.
Urging the MACC to continue its probe into the allegations, Phang had said Navaratnam’s unilateral statement breached the confidentiality of the meeting and was far from the truth.
His views were shared by Ishak, who was reportedly of the view that it was improper for Navaratnam to voice a personal opinion publicly while purporting to represent the panel.
MACC Anti-Corruption advisory board member Tan Sri Simon Sipaun had also said the authority should proceed with the investigations.
Points raised at the meeting include that Navaratnam’s statement touched only on Abdul Gani’s explanation on expenses incurred during his pilgrimage; and that it was Navaratnam’s personal judgment when he said the panel had generally accepted Abdul Gani’s explanation as satisfactory.
The meeting yesterday was attended by Navaratnam, Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Rahman Embong, Dr Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid, Prof Dr Ishak Tambi Kechik, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Anis Yusal Yusoff and Tan Sri Robert Phang.
Navaratnam’s statement had attracted the criticism of fellow panel member Phang, who has been relentless in determining the truth of the allegations.
Urging the MACC to continue its probe into the allegations, Phang had said Navaratnam’s unilateral statement breached the confidentiality of the meeting and was far from the truth.
His views were shared by Ishak, who was reportedly of the view that it was improper for Navaratnam to voice a personal opinion publicly while purporting to represent the panel.
MACC Anti-Corruption advisory board member Tan Sri Simon Sipaun had also said the authority should proceed with the investigations.
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