Najib's Corruption Scandals Take The Lead At IACC Conference

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) conviction rate had soared from 58% in 2009 to 78% last year.

He said the country had also improved its ranking on the International Corruption Perception Index last year, and at 50th place, had the second best track record in Asean after Singapore.

Zahid, who is also Home Minister, noted that the United Nations Convention Against Corruption had last year praised Malaysia for its efforts in tackling graft.

"Malaysia received recommendations for best practices in a total of 23 areas - the highest number out of all countries reviewed," he said.

He said that the heads of international NGOs at the conference had been duped into recycling baseless allegations against the Government, and we're unwittingly involving themselves in the country's internal politics.

"Can you check for me if freedom of speech and freedom of expression are still in our (Federal) Constitution?" the culture and tourism minister asked reporters when he was quizzed on this matter.

"(If yes, then) let him speak," he said.

"It is free speech okay ? What is big deal about it ?" he said.

Commenting further, Nazri, with his trademark sarcasm, said: "He (Ugaz) can even say, 'Nazri, come and explain the RM3 you got from your donor.'”

He also defended Najib's absence at the opening of the anti-corruption conference.

"What is happening in our country now is there are some allegations which are unfair to the prime minister, so it is only fair for him not to be present at the conference," he said.

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"Danilo Lopez and Frederico Salazar, two courageous journalists were murdered in broad daylight in Guatemala. For more than a decade Lopez had exposed corruption and the misuse of public funds by corrupt politicians. And a month and a half ago an anti-corruption activist was killed in Mexico," said José.

"In Azerbaijan, as we meet, investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova was sentenced yesterday to seven and half years for “economic crimes.” These are typical of the bogus charges brought by governments to shut down those who speak out against corruption."

"Khadija exposed how the government awarded the rights to a lucrative gold field to the President’s family. In a statement she just said: “I might be in prison, but the work will continue.”

"Most insidious of all is political corruption. The twisting and distorting of the law by governments plagued by cronyism and captured by special interests," he said.

"In Kuwait our chapter was taken over by a government appointed board. In Tunisia our activists were threatened with legal action for criticising laws that would set the corrupt free. In Russia civil society organisations are being placed on a register of Foreign Agents – the first moves that could attempt to close down the work of anti-corruption fighters in that country," added Jose.

There are two questions that need to be answered: Who paid the money and why? Where did it go?

One man could answer those questions. If that does not happen then only a fully independent investigation, free from political interference, can uncover the truth.

Until that happens, no claim from the government on anti-corruption will be credible.

"We want to see more progress but that cannot happen while there are unanswered questions about the $700m that made its way into the Prime Minister’s personal bank account.

In recent weeks we have seen the Attorney-General who was critical of the government suddenly replaced, the 1MDB taskforce suspended, investigators at the Anti-Corruption Commission arrested or transferred, and newspapers suspended for reporting on the matter.

These are not the actions of a government that is fighting corruption," said Jose.

Low said he made the call to advise Najib on the possible hostile receptions he could receive due to allegations against him.

"I'm from Transparency International and I know this will be a meeting of fearless activists and it's going to be hostile," said Low, responding to questions from the floor during a workshop session.

Low said Najib decided against delivering the keynote address in the afternoon after taking into account security concerns and the atmosphere of the conference. Low will be delivering the address.

Salleh pointed out that the issue has been highly politicised.

"In fact, a number of responses have already been given, even by the deputy prime minister and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, but apparently this is not good enough and you are not prepared to accept those responses," he added.

"Whatever response is given is going to be rejected as is evident for the responses already given, all which have been rejected.

"You demand an answer and yet reject all answers given. I do not see what more that can be said," he told Malaysiakini.

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European lawmaker Ana Maria Gomes said that any other politician would have resigned if they were in Najib's place.

"He needs everything to be clarified. In my opinion, anyone who have been under so serious charges, the first thing (they would do) in Europe is resign and then make their case.

Greenpeace International director Kumi Naidoo said that the US$700 million donation was "highly suspicious and highly irregular", and noted that authorities would have sprung into action if it involved an ordinary citizen.

Naidoo, a human rights activist from South Africa, confirmed that similar cases happened in other countries, but when found out, the politicians were either charged or left office.

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“My advice to the Malaysian prime minister would be not to cover up, not to obstruct justice because it doesn’t work.

“Tell the truth. Where did the money come from? What was its intended use and if he did something wrong, ask for forgiveness and face the consequences.

“It’s not going to go away. Delay is not going to make this issue go away. The truth will come out and in my experience, the sooner it comes out, the better off it is for those who are accused and the country,” Hershman told reporters when met in Putrajaya today.

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