Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory panel stepped up the ante by disclaiming the statement of its own chairman, Ramon Navaratnam on the issue of Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail’s explanation of his alleged cozy relationship with an aide of former MAS chief, Tajudin Ramli.
In a statement issued today, the MACC’s Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel said that the statement issued by Ramon following its meeting on January 10 was entirely his “personal judgement”.
“The panel also agreed that investigation by MACC will continue where necessary to ensure the truth or otherwise of any allegations made against the AG,” the statement said. The meeting on Jan 10 chaired by Ramon was attended by Azman Ujang, Ishak Tambi Kechik, Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid and Prof. Abdul Rahman Embong. Ramon’s most vocal critic from within the panel, Robert Phang was also present.
The war of words between Ramon and Phang erupted following a dialogue between the AG and 30 of the 42 Board members and MACC panel, including its chief Abu Kassim Mohammed on progress of ‘hot’ cases. The meeting was apparently held on an invitation only basis and discussions were supposedly confidential.
In a surprise move, Chairman Ramon unilaterally issued a statement to the effect that MACC members who attended this meeting were satisfied with the AG’s explanation and found no further need to investigate on the matter. Phang who issued a scathing attack against Abdul Gani in his new year message took on his fellow panel member, Ramon Navaratnam decrying the latter’s statement for having breached confidentiality and being far from the truth. “Ramon can be in a haste to issue such a statement will inevitably invite further allegations that the board and panel members who attended this meeting were just rubberstamps to preserve the AG’s position. By his actions, Ramon has eroded any vestige of credibility that may be left of the MACC,” Phang blasted.
“I deeply regret that Ramon considers these allegations against Abdul Gani as just loose talks, rumours and speculations with no proper basis. I fear the public will see this as just another whitewash,” the statement added. Phang’s views were shared by another panel member, Professor Dr. Ishak Tambi Kechik who felt it was improper for Ramon to speak out publicly what is essentially one’s personal opinion but purporting to represent that of the entire panel. However both admitted that Gani seemed frank in his explanation and even provided receipts and invoices acquired during the controversial Haj trip. It was even reported that he was on the verge of breaking down into tears at some point in the dialogue.
Phang suggested that Gani moves a further step by clearing his name publicly. The issue does not appear to wane as it was reported that it will be raised at the next Corruption Prevention Committee meeting.
The issue broke out when a popular web portal revealed details of the alleged role of the AG in omitting to charge Tajudin. It was alleged that it was possibly linked to the said Haj trip taken by both Tajudin’s proxy, Shahidan and Gani’s family. Tajuddin was MAS executive chairman from 1994 to 2001 and it was widely believed that the national airline experienced its purported RM8 billion loss during his tenure.
Source : http://www.malaysianmirror.com/media-buzz-detail/6-nation/51542-macc-advisory-panel-disclaims-its-own-chairmans-statement-on-ags-haj-trip
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