Salleh: Cabinet rebels saving their own necks?
1MDB critics told to stand by collective responsibility and not pretend to know nothing
(Free Malaysia Today) – Federal ministers who have spoken out about the swirling 1MDB-Tabung Haji controversy had their integrity questioned today for “making statements as if they are outsiders” and not part of the Cabinet.
Sabah state speaker Salleh Said Keruak said the country was not run by the prime minister himself but by the Cabinet which collectively decided on policy and other matters.
So far four Umno national leaders have spoken out on the continuing controversies around government-owned 1Malaysia Development Bhd, which is saddled with a reported RM42bn in debts, and latest disclosures about a land deal involving the pilgrims fund Tabung Haji.
The finances and investments of 1MDB and the deal with Tabung Haji have been criticised by a handful of Umno Supreme Council members, including deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, vice-presidents Hishammuddin Hussein and Shafie Apdal, and Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin.
Although all four have made their statements in their capacities as leaders of Umno, Salleh reminded them that they were also Cabinet ministers and had shared responsibility over government decisions and policies.
He asked if Muhyiddin, as deputy prime minister, had never chaired any Cabinet meeting, and questioned whether 1MDB was never discussed.
