Mahathir: AG should swear on Quran, not hide truth
The Attorney-General has proposed life imprisonment for leaking government information, a sure indication that he was hiding the truth.
(Free Malaysia Today) – Attorney-General Mohd Apandi Ali has no credibility at all after his dismissal of the reports by Bank Negara and the MACC, said former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad among his salient points in his latest blog posting. “He has proposed life imprisonment for leaking government information, a sure indication that he was hiding the truth. If he’s a good Muslim, he should swear on the Quran that it was not so.”
Even so, the best way for the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to act would be to audit the lifestyle of the suspects, added Mahathir. “Are they living within their means?”
“If it was beyond their means, a thorough investigation must be made on all sources of income of the suspect.”
Although the MACC was free and can investigate even the Prime Minister, an unscrupulous office holder can frustrate the Commission in many ways, he warned. “The Malaysian Prime Minister, Ministers and high officials are not very highly paid but with all the perks such as housing, payment of water and electricity bills, traveling allowances, motorcars and even aeroplanes, they can have a decent life in keeping with their official status.”
However, if their lifestyle was lavish, then it’s a different matter, said Mahathir. He cited owning luxurious homes and mansions in the country and abroad, buying high priced things, personal entertainment, very lavish weddings etc. “If they have money in the banks or elsewhere very much in excess of their sources of income, then it can safely be assumed that they may be in receipt of illegal gratification.”
“The source of great wealth needs to be investigated by the authorities and institutions in the country.”
The Inland Revenue Board, another example, was set up as an independent authority so that it can act without fear or favour, continued Mahathir. “It’s within its right to investigate everyone including the Prime Minister.”
