Form task force to probe Rafizi’s graft claims, Selangor MB told
(MMO) – Datuk Seri Azmin Ali must not waste time and form a special committee to investigate Rafizi Ramli’s allegations of graft in Selangor, PKR parliamentary whip Datuk Johari Abdul said today.
Johari said although the allegation was not against any elected representative in Selangor or any officer serving the state government, a simple denial by the state mentri besar would not suffice.
“An immediate denial doesn’t solve the issue. I would thank Rafizi and whoever sent the WhatsApp message, and I would recommend the MB does it in a manner where he forms a state committee to investigate this,” he told Malay Mail Online.
The Sungai Petani MP said the committee should be headed by the Selangor state secretary, who should call up relevant parties including those who leaked the information to Rafizi.
“Do not prolong this, move forward. Get to the crux of the matter by forming a committee which should be chaired by the state secretary.
“Give a timeframe, perhaps two weeks, to decide and see whether there is any merit in the accusations,” Johari said.
He said MB Azmin should emulate the DAP in how it handled the case against Teluk Datuk assemblyman Loh Chee Heng.
“DAP quietly investigated the matter, arrived at a conclusion and sacked him…that is how the issue is resolved and then everyone can move on,” Johari said.
Yesterday, Rafizi admitted to sending the WhatsApp message that contained allegations of graft in Selangor but said the claims were not against any elected representative in Selangor or any officer serving the state government.
The PKR vice-president said the allegation was “specific” and not “general” and would be dealt with in the same way that he handled all tip-offs on misconduct.
He added that the message was sent to a closed WhatsApp group, whose members are predominantly PKR and reformasi supporters.
In the leaked message that was sent to the “Solidarity for Anwar” WhatsApp group, Rafizi claimed to have received complaints of demands for cash and women in dealings with the Selangor administration and warned his party that he would expose the corruption unless it is halted.
The Pandan MP also claimed to already have evidence on the matter, but was restraining himself from revealing further details, as it would damage his party.
Rafizi also said he regretted that the leaked conversation was presented out of context to the public and added that he will compile a report on the graft allegation to be submitted to PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
The matter, he added, will be handled internally in accordance with the demands of PKR’s constitution.
Azmin has since challenged the allegations in Rafizi’s message although he did not name the leader.
The PKR deputy president said if there was evidence to prove the claims, it should be presented to the authorities and not be used to smear his administration.
