Kapar MP delays report, gives MB new ultimatum
(The Malaysia Insider) – Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam delayed naming the corrupt officials in a Selangor-owned sand mining company today, giving the state mentri besar till Friday to respond.
Manikavasagam demanded that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim form an independent body by Friday to investigate his claims of corruption after the federal lawmaker met 11 fellow MPs yesterday.
“They told me to wait till Friday… they want to urge Tan Sri Khalid to form an independent body by Friday,” said Manikavasagam today.
“If he fails (to do that), I’ll make a report on Monday,” he added.
The PKR MP had issued an ultimatum to Khalid last Saturday, giving him 72 hours to act against three corrupt senior officials in state-owned sand mining company Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd.
However, the Selangor MB challenged Manikavasagam to go ahead and lodge a police report against the corrupt officials.
Manikavasagam took up the challenge and had announced his desire in making the police report today, which he did not do eventually after an emergency meeting with other MPs yesterday.
“I wanted to announce today but I respect my colleagues’ stand,” he said.
Those that Manikavasagam met last night were MPs for Indera Mahkota, Merbok, Balik Pulau, Kuala Kedah, Ampang, Tanah Merah, Selayang, Teluk Kemang and Kepong.
He added that the Wangsa Maju and Kelana Jaya MPs pledged their support although they were absent from the meeting.
“Indera Mahkota (MP) will head the independent body,” he added, referring to PKR MP Azan Ismail from Pahang. “Selcat cannot investigate. We want an independent body.”
Selcat is Selangor’s Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency formed to probe graft claims, one of which was a high-profile case involving Balkis, a welfare organisation headed by the wife of former Selangor MB Datuk Seri Khir Toyo.
When asked if he would delay his police report again should Khalid his demands for an independent body, Manikavasagam was adamant that he would not.
“No. Monday 11 am I’ll confirm will lodge the report here,” he said, adding that he would reveal incriminating documents like photostat copies of cheques and a statutory declaration.
The Kapar MP added that Khalid’s special officer had informed him yesterday to meet Khalid in court today to discuss the issue.
“But I don’t think that’s the right place,” he said.
He also expressed anger towards Padang Serai MP N. Gobalakrishnan’s call for him to resign as reported in Tamil daily Makkal Osai.
“He is ‘mabuk’!” said Manikavasagam. “(Only) if Anwar asked me to resign…I’ll resign.”
