27 Sept 2011

PAS wants royal panel to probe AG for graft

In light of serious allegations of graft and judicial abuse made against Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, PAS wants the public official to be investigated by a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI)."This is a black mark against the AG's Chambers, as a national institution enacted by constitutional provisions," PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

The allegations, said Mahfuz, were made by former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) panel member Robert Phang, self-exiled blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and even former Kuala Lumpur CID chief Mat Zain Ibrahim in a series of open letters.An RCI is vital to look into the matter, the Pokok Sena MP added, since the institution Gani heads has a direct connection with the federal constitution, appointed as he is by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Elaborating further, Mahfuz said the allegations against Gani included falsifying facts and evidence in Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's infamous 'black-eye' incident, the graft case against Shahidan Shafie and "judicial abuses" in the Altantuyaa Shaaribuu murder trial.Mahfuz said he saw no indication on Gani's part to sue those who have levelled the allegations.It's not difficut for the attorney-general to take legal action against, for example, Mat Zain, as the latter is within the country, as opposed to Raja Petra who is overseas. 

Various interpretations

"Because Tan Sri Gani Patail looks like he is not prepared to take legal action against these people, it means the accusations can be interpreted in various ways, which does not give a good image to the country," he added.Mahfuz insisted that it was the government's responsibility to "clean up the situation" by setting up an RCI to protect the good name and eminence of the royal institution and federal constitution.

If that was not done immediately, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong would be petitioned himself over the matter, he warned.This "not a political issue" but one of the integrity and credibility of the attorney-general and the AG's Chambers."For me, the reports are sufficient. They have been posted on the Internet, in open letters by the former KL CID chief... I feel these are strong enough for those in authority in the country to take the necessary steps," Mahfuz added.


Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/176926


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