Bersatu questions ‘silence’ from MACC, cops over MPs backing PM

Bersatu information chief Razali Idris today questioned the apparent silence from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police over the growing number of opposition MPs declaring their support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

(FMT) – “Ongoing efforts to threaten and offer inducements to opposition MPs continue systematically,” he said.

“So far, no statements have been issued by MACC and the police on the reports lodged to investigate whether there was abuse of power and corruption, forcing several MPs to make statements supporting Anwar.”

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said earlier this month that his party would lodge reports on the matter with the police and MACC.

At the time, four MPs from Bersatu had pledged their support for the government: Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) and Zahari Kechik (Jeli).

A fifth MP, Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, declared his support for the unity government yesterday.

Syed Hussin, the MP for Bukit Gantang, previously said he would pledge support for Anwar and his government if he received development funds for his constituency.

In his statement today, Razali expressed regret over Syed Hussin’s declaration of support in the Dewan Rakyat, describing it as “rude” and “arrogant”.

Razali also backed the call by Bersatu’s Bukit Gantang division chief Ahmad Man for Syed Hussin to resign from his post if he genuinely wanted to defend the interests of his constituents.

Ahmad had described Syed Hussin’s pledge to support Anwar as “sickening” and a betrayal of his mandate to Bersatu, Perikatan Nasional and the people.

“Once again, I challenge the Bukit Gantang MP – if you are a true man, step down without hiding behind (the loopholes of) the anti-party hopping act and promptly return the mandate to the people through a by-election,” he said.