Why is Dr M protecting ex-PetroSaudi director, asks Salleh
(The Malaysian Insider) – Sabah speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak today questioned Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s motive for defending former PetroSaudi International director Xavier Andre Justo, after the former prime minster voiced suspicion over the man’s arrest.
“Why is Dr Mahathir trying to protect Justo? If Justo is innocent then surely the Thai police will release him. Why is Dr Mahathir suggesting that Justo is an innocent victim?” Salleh (pic, right) said in his blog today, responding to Dr Mahathir remark that Justo’s arrest was “suspicious”.
“Does Dr Mahathir know something the rest of the world doesn’t? Or is Dr Mahathir worried that Justo might spill the beans and implicate others involved in this crime?” he said.
Justo is currently in Thai police custody for attempting to blackmail PetroSaudi over its deals with state investment vehicle 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Thai police on Tuesday announced the arrest of the 49-year-old at a house in the Thai island resort of Koh Samui.
Justo was reportedly paid some RM15 million to leave PetroSaudi and is now accused of asking for more money in an attempt to blackmail the oil company over its deals with 1MDB.
Thai media reported that Justo has denied this.
Salleh said by suggesting that Thai police could not be trusted, Dr Mahathir had insinuated that they were corrupt.
“We have to be very careful about such allegations in case we start a diplomatic incident with a neighbouring country.
“I remember back in 1998 when Dr Mahathir got very upset when foreign reporters wrote that the Malaysian police fixed Anwar up on fabricated charges at the behest of the prime minister.
“Is not what Dr Mahathir doing exactly the same?” he asked.
