DAP wants minister’s explanation on draft charges against PM probed for corruption

(Malay Mail Online) – DAP’s Gobind Singh Deo today urged local graftbusters to investigate an Umno minister’s claim that Datuk Seri Najib Razak had ordered the recent government shake-up in a bid to remove those behind an alleged plot to unseat him by hauling him to court.

According to Gobind, who is also a lawyer, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s remarks in an interview last weekend with The Star should be investigated for possible power abuse under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

“I have today lodged a report with the MACC asking it to commence investigations into the contents of the said article,” the Puchong MP told reporters outside MACC’s office here.

“I make reference to S23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 which states as follows: offence of using office or position for gratification.”

The lawmaker said he expects MACC to respond to him within a week as he intends to raise the issue in Parliament when it convenes next month.

In his interview with The Star, Rahman was asked to shed light on the draft charge sheet against Najib that emerged online after Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was unceremoniously removed from the post of Attorney-General.

According to whistleblower site Sarawak Report, which was the first to publish the document, Gani was removed because his office was in the final stages of drafting charges against the prime minister.

His replacement Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has since rubbished this claim.

During the interview, although Rahman admitted he was not sure of the authenticity of the draft document, he said it “could be there” and later, quoting from Apandi, said it may have been part of a plot to criminalise the prime minister.

When asked to comment on the recent Cabinet reshuffle and the unceremonious removal of Gani from office, Rahman cited the alleged plot against Najib and said that any politician would have taken such pre-emptive steps to cripple such an attempt.