Graft claims part of smear campaign against Selangor, MB says

(MMO) – Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has lashed out at those spreading claims of alleged graft in his administration, calling it a vicious and relentless attack to tarnish the state’s name.

The PKR deputy president said if there was proof of graft, those making the allegations should present the evidence to the relevant authorities instead of spreading the claims to the public.

“Taking pot shots at the government without the requisite evidence, and then disseminating them to all and sundry is an act of sheer cowardice, irresponsibility and malicious mischief,” he said in a statement.

Azmin was referring to the spread of a message purportedly sent by his PKR colleague Rafizi Ramli to the “Solidarity for Anwar” WhatsApp group that spoke of alleged graft in the Selangor administration.

According to the leaked message, Rafizi claimed to have received complaints of demands for cash and women in dealings with the Selangor administration and warned his party that he would expose the corruption unless it is halted.

The Pandan MP also claimed to already have evidence on the matter, but was restraining himself from revealing further details, as it would damage his party.

Rafizi warned, however, that there was only so much he could witness before he set aside such qualms.

Azmin in his statement did not directly address Rafizi, who yesterday declined to confirm or deny the contents of the message.

Instead, the mentri besar rubbished the allegations and pointed out that they did not come with supporting evidence.

“These are scurrilous and scandalous allegations, unsupported by any evidence whatsoever and betray the handiwork of a systematic smear campaign against the Selangor State government,” he said.

Azmin added that the claims have sullied the good name, reputation and integrity of Selangor’s civil service and its state executive councillors, who he insisted have been working hard to bring progress to the state.

“Let us be clear. We welcome efforts by whistle blowers in their efforts to help ensure a clean and corrupt free government.

“But if there is even a shred of evidence to support these allegations, it is incumbent on those making them to produce it to the relevant authorities for necessary action,” he said.

“While it is our declared policy to have a fully accountable and transparent government with a zero tolerance for corruption, we are at the same time duty bound to protect the good name and reputation of our civil servants and executives from irresponsible and wild accusations,” he added.