Forex losses: Task force will follow rule of law

(Bernama) – The Cabinet decision to set up a special task force to probe the forex losses suffered by Bank Negara in the 1990s shows that the government is open in all matters affecting national interest, says Azalina Othman Said.

The minister in the prime minister’s department said the government would continue to adhere to the principle of rule of law in investigating any matter, to ensure there was no abuse or fraud in the governance of the country.

She added that the government always adhered to the principle that a person was innocent until proven guilty.

“As such, the task force will examine and assess the matter based on evidence before deciding on any action,” she said in a statement today.

Azalina said the establishment of the task force was the best opportunity for DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang to prove there was basis in the motions on the matter he had brought in the Dewan Rakyat in 1993 and 1994.

“He (Lim) should come forward to assist the task force to scrutinise all related facts,” she said.

In announcing the setting up of the task force in a statement on Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Office said it would comprise representatives of various government agencies as well as highly respected individuals who were experts in certain fields.

It said the task force would make recommendations and suggestions as soon as possible for the consideration of the Cabinet for follow-up action to be taken, including the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry, if necessary, based on the outcome of the probe.