PKR MPs back Manikavasagam
They also issue new ultimatum to Selangor MB over Semesta debacle
(The Malay Mail) – Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam won’t be walking alone in his battle to seek a resolution to the Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd corruption debacle.
Following an emergency two-hour discussion in Ampang attended by no less than a dozen Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs from all over the country, including Manikavasagam, the parliamentary representatives will be issuing a new ultimatum to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
They gave the MB until this weekend to form an independent commission to investigate Manikavasagam’s claims of alleged corruption in Semesta, a State-owned sand mining company. Last Saturday, Manikavasagam claimed to possess documents, which included photocopied invoices, receipts and cheques, indicating alleged corrupt activities among the company’s officers.
He said the that documents were handed to him by executives in the company to him as he is also the PKR complaints bureau chief. The meeting yesterday was chaired by Negeri Sembilan PKR chairman Datuk Kamarul Baharin Abbas, who is also the Teluk Kemang MP.
Others at the meeting were PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin (Ampang), Kedah PKR chairman Ahmad Kassim (Kuala Kedah), Datuk Rashid Din (Merbok), Amran Ab Ghani (Tanah Merah), Ab Aziz Ab Kadir (Ketereh), Azan Ismail (Indera Mahkota ) , Yusmadi Yusoff (Bal ik Pulau), Abdullah Sani Abd u l Hamid (Kuala Langat), Loh Gwo-Burne (Kelana Jaya) and Wee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju).
“After our discussion, we all agreed the State government must practise good governance. The allegations made by Mike (Manikavasagam) are serious and he has strong evidence to prove the claims,” Zuraida told The Malay Mail.
“That’s why we are urging the MB to set up an independent body to probe the allegations. We are giving the MB until this weekend to do so.”
The group is expected to release a statement on this decision later today, said Zuraida.
“I have the support of the MPs in this matter,” said Manikavasagam. “Those who attended the meeting were considerably angered by these allegations of corrupt activities in the State government. They agreed that we must get rid of all these ‘dirty’ and corrupt people.”
Manikavasagam said there was reason to believe Khalid was trying to protect the people implicated in his evidence as they were handpicked by the MB to manage Semesta’s operations.
In his earlier 72-hour ultimatum demanding the MB act on the corruption claims and to sack the implicated individuals, Khalid responded by telling Manikavasagam to reveal their names and lodge a report with the police.
The Kapar MP was not happy with the MB’s response. “That’s why we want an independent body to be set up to probe this matter. The MB must not be a part of this panel and there must not be any Selangor State assemblyman in it either.”
Manikavasagam said his plans to lodge a police report — which he had intended to do this morning – will be put on hold until after the weekend, as the group wanted to push for the probe panel first.
“We feel an independent panel is the best channel to resolve this issue.”
He said if a police report is lodged, he fears police will push the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commision (MACC) for investigation.
“I had already mentioned before I don’t trust the MACC.
“The MACC have not even settled my Kampung Perapat issue. Settle that first, otherwise, don’t come and disturb me.”
Mike not leaving PKR
KAPAR MP S. Manikavasagam insists the ultimatums issued to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim should not be seen as a prelude to him leaving Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), as it has been widely speculated, especially in the blogosphere.
“I’ll say it firmly again. I am fighting for the party and not against the party. As the proponents of good governance and accountability, PKR must be rid of corrupt activities.
“I know many, especially those from Barisan Nasional (BN), who want to make it appear as if there is a major rift in the PKR.
“I have the backing of my fellow MPs in this matter. They, too, are strongly against corruption and want swift action to be taken.
“This goes to show we are different from BN because we stand up for what’s right,” he said.
“If it was the BN, they would not dare speak against their own leaders, even if there was evidence of wrongdoing.”
None of the MIC members had previously dared to speak against their president, Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, about the MIED debacle.
“I love the party and I will not be running away like what Tan Tee Beng or Zulkifli Noordin did. It won’t happen.”
