'Umno sets sand trap for three more PKR reps'

By FMT Staff

SHAH ALAM: Sri Muda state assemblyman Suhaimi Shafiei alleged that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe on him was linked to certain senior Umno-Barisan Nasional politicians.

He claimed that these politicians were part of a conspiracy to trap “at least three PKR assemblymen”.

Suhaimi said BN was increasingly rattled by the Pakatan Rakyat state government's determination to eradicate illegal sand-mining activities and related abuses which have persisted for over 20 years under former menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

“I was shocked to hear from MACC so quickly. They summoned me for questioning less than 48 hours after I had disclosed the (alleged) abuse of power and mismanagement by several key individuals in the former Umno-BN Selangor administration with regard to land applications around Shah Alam.

“This latest attempt to shake me comes after they had earlier speculated that I was one of the PKR assemblymen who would quit,” he said.

“What is happening now is proof that MACC is receiving orders from someone to pressure me into falling into their political trap. They have been tasked with buying over three more PKR reps by the end of this year and are beginning to panic,” he added.

'We are against corruption'

Suhaimi said he was summoned by MACC to record his statement over an allegation by an individual linking him to illegal sand-mining activities, which were carried out by a company called MNT Construction Enterprise.

“I have no idea what MNT Construction Enterprise is or who is behind this company. But I am aware that they (Umno-BN) are trying to trap me,” he said.

Suhaimi said he and other Pakatan assemblymen are against corrupt practices such as illegal sand- mining activities.

He said such activities were slowly being controlled and contained in Selangor under the Pakatan administration, but there was still room for improvement in terms of enforcement.

“They are beginning to feel the pressure of PKR's clampdown on such activities and are forced to look for alternative avenues. Setting up Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd is testimony to their greed.

“Illegal sand mining is not just limited to Selangor. It is extensively done in Negri Sembilan and Johor but unfortunately these states are under Umno-BN and cannot be investigated,” he said.

Citing an example in Shah Alam, Suhaimi claimed that an Umno-BN politician abused his power in the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) by allowing lorries carrying illegal sand to pass through the village.

The transport company made a RM40,00 monthly contribution to the village, he alleged.